Civic Data & Reports
Research, analysis, and insights to strengthen democracy in Hawaiʻi.
New Publication
February 2025
From Classroom to Community:
Advancing Civics Education in Hawaiʻi
Authored by Colin D. Moore, Ph.D.
The PACE Commission is proud to present a comprehensive examination of civics education across our islands. Developed in collaboration with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) and the Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools (HAIS), this report provides research-based insights into the state of civic learning in K-12 public and private schools, as well as the University of Hawaiʻi system.
Our goal is to create a roadmap for fostering a stronger, more equitable civics education system that reflects Hawaiʻi’s unique cultural context and prepares students to engage meaningfully in democratic life.
Key Findings from the 2025 Survey:
- Consensus on Importance: Educators across all institutions recognize the vital importance of civics, yet face significant barriers regarding time and resources.
- Curriculum Time: 59% of public school administrators identify a lack of time in the curriculum as a major challenge.
- The Resource Gap: 47% of K-2 teachers report a lack of high-quality, civics-focused curricular materials.
- Professional Development: 75% of HIDOE administrators and 71% of teachers agree that training on the “pedagogy of effective civics education” is a top priority.