TCU College of Education dean partners with Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in nationwide civics education efforts

Photo credit: Baylor Marketing & Communication/Robbie Rogers

Fort Worth, Texas

4/19/2011

On April 12, 2011, Dean Mary Martin Patton met with other key policymakers in Austin to discuss Texas civics education among Texas middle and high school students with Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

“I was honored to be a part of this opportunity to partner with Justice O’Connor in her effort to inspire young people to be informed about and participate in our democratic system,” said Patton. “The College of Education is always supportive of new technological tools that aid educators in their efforts to inspire our nation’s youth.”

According to Wendy May, the Texas State Coordinator for iCivics.org, the program revolves around the free website developed in part by Justice O’Connor that features online educational games and detailed teacher lesson plans specifically designed to help young people better learn and retain necessary civics lessons.

“Justice O’Connor stressed the need for more civics education at the middle school level,” said Patton. “She also stressed that Texas leads the country in curriculum initiatives, and therefore, can influence civics education nationwide by adopting iCivics into the social studies curriculum. I am looking forward to working with Justice O’Connor in her efforts."