The national political climate may be polarized and combative, but California is taking steps to ensure K-12 students learn to have respectful debates, get involved in their communities and understand their rights.

The State Board of Education was poised Wednesday to add civics to the California School Dashboard, the primary accountability tool for the state’s public K-12 schools. The aim is to encourage more students to excel in their government classes, show a strong understanding of the Constitution and the foundations of democracy, and get involved in civics-related extracurricular or community activities.

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