In observance of Constitution Day on September 17th and following America’s historic 250th anniversary of independence, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon today issued a Dear Colleague Letter to all education leaders and teachers, urging them to strengthen civic learning and provide routine opportunities for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
The call to action addresses an urgent need to close a widening gap in civic literacy and declining national pride among young Americans. Pointing to recent troubling data, Secretary McMahon noted that fewer than six in 10 Americans aged 18 to 29 feel “very proud” to be American. Furthermore, national assessments reveal a profound civic literacy crisis, with only 22 percent of eighth graders reaching proficiency in civics and just 13 percent doing so in U.S. history-leaving the next generation largely unprepared to actively participate in civic life.
“To thrive for the next 250 years, we must understand, cherish, and claim the ideals, history, responsibilities, and civic traditions that unite us,” wrote U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “With 31 simple words, for a minute a day, students connect themselves to this great American story, take ownership of their citizenship, feel pride in their country, and become architects of the nation’s future.”
Over the past year, the U.S. Department of Education has worked to revitalize civic engagement through several national initiatives, including:
- The History Rocks! Tour: Visiting schools across all 50 states to bring history to life in honor of our nation’s 250th birthday for students with interactive games and competitions;
- The Presidential 1776 Award for Civics: Challenging thousands of high school students from across the country to demonstrate advanced knowledge of American governance and history; and
- Targeted Grant Competitions: Funding educational programs dedicated to teaching American history, citizenship, government, and geography.
Secretary McMahon noted that while this guidance introduces no new federal mandates, it serves as a gentle reminder of the power of civic tradition. State and local leaders are encouraged to invite voluntary, daily opportunities for the Pledge of Allegiance in harmony with local policies. In doing so, school practices should always respect students’ constitutional rights, including protections affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding voluntary participation.
Read the full letter from Secretary McMahon here .