
Justice O’Connor’s efforts to reinvigorate civics education, re-engage young people in civic life and ensure the future of our democracy are enduring and inspiring for all of us. As Justice O’Connor has said time and time again, “It’s not enough to understand you’ve got to do something.” It was from the inspiring work of Justice O’Connor and iCivics that our work in civics education at Baylor University has continued, including the creation of the Baylor University iEngage Summer Civics Institute-a program designed to take the principles learned in iCivics and put them into action in the community. In April of that year, we had the honor of presenting our encouraging findings to Justice O’Connor in a community symposium in which she also honored Waco area students, teachers and district administrators. Working with more than 300 students in Waco ISD and Midway ISD, we implemented a six-week unit using iCivics games and curriculum. Karon LeCompte, and I had the privilege of conducting the first independent research study examining the effectiveness of iCivics on students’ civic knowledge, skills and dispositions. Justice O’Connor’s efforts to start iCivics, an online civics education platform that provides interactive games and curriculum designed to help students learn about the core principles of democracy in an engaging and relevant manner, was the catalyst for much of (the Baylor School of Education’s and) my own work in civics education. Her legacy is one that has had a deep impact on my own life, my academic pursuits and the Baylor community as a whole. Justice O’Connor is undoubtedly one of the most profound figures in our country-a boundary-breaking woman who fought tirelessly to encourage collaboration, democratic discourse, and working toward the common good.

We are saddened to learn about the news that Justice Sandra Day O’Connor is stepping away from public life due to her health. Blevins wrote the following when she learned of Justice O’Connor’s announcement: The researchers were honored by O’Connor for their research and commitment to iCivics and civics education.ĭr.

Blevins and LeCompte also launched iEngage Summer Civics Institute, which is supported by a grant from the Hatton W. She and Karon LeCompte, Ph.D., associate professor of curriculum and instruction, conducted the first independent research study of iCivics effectiveness.
#Sandra day o connor icivics free
In her letter to the nation, O’Connor shared about her commitment to civics education and, specifically, the creation of iCivics – free online interactive games and curriculum designed to teach the core principles of civics to middle and high school students.īrooke Blevins, Ph.D., serves as associate professor of social studies education and associate chair of the department of curriculum and instruction in Baylor’s School of Education.

Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve on the nation’s highest court, that she is officially stepping away from public life due to health reasons. 24, 2018) – This week, the nation heard from former U.S. O’Connor’s creation of iCivics ‘was the catalyst for much of my work in civics education,’ says Brooke Blevins
