Agenda for Leadership: American Citizenship –
A Vision for Transparency & State Policy Innovation
In 1993, Massachusetts passed the landmark Education Reform Act to build a strong foundation of informed citizens through rigorous instruction in U.S. history and civics.
More than three decades later, key parts of that promise remain unfulfilled—and the consequences are mounting.
Why it matters
A healthy democracy depends on citizens who understand U.S. history, civics, and how their government operates. Declining civic knowledge and persistent resistance to transparency threaten public trust and the Commonwealth’s long-term civic health
Catch up quick
In a new chapter of Agenda for Leadership: Choosing to Compete, Pioneer Institute outlines concrete steps to strengthen civic education and restore government accountability—from finally administering the long-mandated U.S. History and Civics MCAS exam required under the 1993 Education Reform Act to complying with the voter-approved audit of the Legislature.
What the report recommends
The chapter calls for stronger history and civics standards, meaningful accountability in state government, expanded public records and open meeting laws, and compliance with reforms overwhelmingly approved by Massachusetts voters.
Learn more
Read American Citizenship: A Vision for Transparency & State Policy Innovation, part of Pioneer’s forthcoming book Agenda for Leadership: Choosing to Compete, out later this month.
Preview A Vision for Transparency & State Policy Innovation Today!
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