2019 Continuums of Service Conference

A Crucible Moment (2012) provides the impetus for any discussion of civic engagement in higher education; and, as its title suggests, transformative change in postsecondary education will occur by challenging conventional paradigms. By embedding innovative teaching and learning strategies that emphasize applied knowledge, students can quickly develop a civic-mindset. When higher education, suggests David Scobey, makes civic responsibility “central, not peripheral” to the educational mission, the desired outcome of participatory democracy is best attained. At no other time in American history has it been as crucial for students--no matter their academic goals--to secure civic knowledge and skills in order to compete in a global economy. CBL is promoted throughout the California State University (CSU) system but not in California’s K-12 or community college systems. CBL in K-12 is addressed sporadically; and, with regard to California’s community colleges (CCC), it is taught in a vacuum, if it is taught at all. However, the CSUs and CCCs are the two largest systems of higher education in the nation and serve the majority of the nation’s undergraduates. It is time for stakeholders to begin a dialogue of how we can create a California K-16 Civic Engagement and Community-Based Learning Pathway.