University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
Project Title
For support of the Lou Frey Institute's civic learning program in Florida
Date
Sep. 07, 2017
Duration
12 months
Description
According to the most recent Current Population Survey, the State of Florida ranks 49th in voting in local elections, contacting public officials, and belonging to a civic group, and 50th in working with neighbors on community problems and attending public meetings. In 2010, the Florida State Legislature passed the Justice Sandra Day O’Connor Civic Education Act in light of the relative weakness of the state’s civic culture. The O’Connor Act, arguably the strongest civic learning legislation in the country, resulted in a new statewide emphasis on civics. In order to support the O’Connor Act’s ambitious goal of producing widespread, better and more equal civic learning, the Florida Legislature began providing the Lou Frey Institute (housed at University of Central Florida) funding to support the act’s implementation. The Lou Frey Institute works with state department personnel, district curriculum specialists, teachers, and school administrators to build an effective, multi-pronged support system that focuses on middle school civics and supports instructional learning. With Corporation support, the Lou Frey Institute will continue making civic learning gains for Florida’s youth, despite an unexpected budget shortfall in fiscal year 2017.