Time For A Renaissance In Civics
Time For A Renaissance In Civics
Why Core Democratic Values and Constitutional Principles Must Be Taught, Understood, and Valued
School Board Trustees, Superintendents & Other District Administrators
In an era of deep polarization, Rolland B argues that it is time for a Renaissance in Civics. Democracy does not defend itself. It must be taught, understood, and valued.
Drawing on three decades in California public education—as an interim superintendent, assistant superintendent, elected school board trustee, and CPA-auditor—Rolland makes the case that decades of neglecting civics have contributed to a quiet erosion of American civic life.
Based on his book The Case for Values Education, this keynote calls for making civics a key pillar of public K–12 education—grounded in the core democratic values and constitutional principles that sustain our democracy.
Civics education is neither partisan nor nostalgic. It is democratic infrastructure, teaching students how to think—not what to think—while grounding them in the rule of law, facts and evidence, pluralism, peaceful disagreement, equal dignity, and active civic participation.
As an immigrant who found refuge in America from a burgeoning dictatorship, Rolland challenges school leaders to recognize that preparing students for citizenship is inseparable from preparing them for life.
School leaders will gain practical perspectives for embedding democratic values in district culture without politicizing the classroom—and see themselves not merely as system managers, but as worthy stewards of a constitutional republic.
Keynote: Teach the values that sustain democracy.
Other Options
AN EVERLASTING DEMOCRACY! LINCOLN'S FERVENT HOPE
School Board Trustees, Superintendents & Other AdministratorsIn the darkest hours of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln looked toward a …
IS PRESERVING DEMOCRACY YOUR BIG PICTURE?
School Board Trustees & Superintendents Every school district has a mission. But does that mission reflect the bigger …
ENDING INTERSTATE FUNDING INEQUALITY: A CALL TO REVOLT …
A Call to Revolt Against the K–12 Status QuoTarget Audience: School Board Trustees, Superintendents & Other K–12 InfluencersA …