As the nation has become increasingly politically divided in the wake of the 2016 Presidential elections, educators have turned their attention to civics education that might have the ability to encourage students to engage productively in public life. In addition, the February 2018 shootings at Parkland High School sparked a nationwide movement by young people concerned about violence.
In the wake of both these developments, in the winter and spring of 2018, the Education Week Research Center surveyed principals and other school leaders about the structure and perceptions of civics education in their schools.