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Citizenship and Civics Resources

English Language Learners (ELLs) study language and its conventions, but another integral part of adults learning English is learning culture, history, and civics. Many adult ELLs are pursuing US Citizenship, and learning civics is part of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) interview they need to pass in order to become a US citizen. Integrated English Literacy & Civics Education (IELCE) allows adult ELLs, including internationally trained professionals, to gain English proficiency, to understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and civic participation, and to obtain the workforce skills needed to gain employment that leads to self-sufficiency and be productive citizens.

For additional resources, please visit our main resources page.

 

VALRC offers a variety of foundational, self-paced tutorials and webinars for adult educators that can be accessed on-demand and taken at one’s leisure. These virtual learning opportunities have been designed by VALRC educational specialists but are non-facilitated. Registration and content access is provided through the Reach 360 platform. If you do not already have a Reach 360 account, you can use this link to set an account up.  

  • Civics It Up!  Civics Objectives : This resources is a tool for teachers of Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) activities. The purpose of the resources is to help teachers plan and implement instructional units and lessons that integrate language learning with rights and responsibilities of citizenship, civic participation, and workforce preparation.
  • Emerging English Language Literacy Curriculum: This curriculum was developed for English language learners ranging from pre-literacy to beginning levels of proficiency. 

Additional Self-paced Training from ProLiteracy: 

ProLiteracy Learning Circles Self-Paced Courses: Learning Circles are a great way for adult education programs to expand the services they offer students. Please note: this resource was created by ProLiteracy, a national adult literacy organization.  

Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education, or IELCE, is defined in WIOA as education services provided to English language learners who are adults, including professionals with degrees and credentials in their native countries, that enable such adults to achieve competency in the English language and acquire the basic and more advanced skills needed to function effectively as parents, workers, and citizens in the United States. 

  • IELCE Resources : This resource provides guidance on implementing IELCE activities and programming as well as supporting learners and providing wrap around services.
  • IELCE Content Guide (Pennsylvania): This guide, developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education provides learner objectives and outcomes that can be used to design class content that aligns with the requirements of IELCE activities and programs.
  • REEP ESL Curriculum for Adults: This curriculum provides instructional direction for adult ESOL programs and includes planning, assessment, and classroom content resources which focus on life skills such as health, employment, community, government, and transportation as well as digital literacy.
  • Reading Resource Library for Educators and Adult Learners: The Reading Resource Library is a tool created by the Barbara Bush Foundation for educators to share with learners and is filled with topically relevant, educational, and captivating books for readers of all ages and levels.
  • ESL Instructional Support Kits: Literacy Minnesota: These support kits provide instructors with lesson plans and materials for classroom instruction related to literacy, speaking and listening, pronunciation, reading, and citizenship instruction.
  • Ellii (formerly ESL Library): This resource can be used to provide English language learners with supplemental print or digital resources for developing and practicing all modalities of English both in and out of the classroom. This resource is not free and can be purchased at the program or instructor level.
  • Citizenship Class Resources from ATLAS: This article from ATLAS presents 5 instructional resources for citizenship class instruction including vocabulary exercises, videos, reading materials, and interview practice materials.
  • US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS): US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the official federal government site for immigration and citizenship information as well as ESL civics instructional resources.
  • Migration Policy Institute: Migration Policy Institute (MPI) seeks to improve immigration and integration policies through authoritative research and analysis, opportunities for learning and dialogue, and the development of new ideas to address complex policy questions.
  • C-Span Classroom: This C-Span website provides educators with free lesson plans, curricula, and videos for civics and social studies instruction.
  • Civics and Citizenship Toolkit: This toolkit from USCIS contains a range of useful materials to help an adult education program begin or enhance a collection for immigrants.
  • LVCA Citizenship Resources: Literacy Volunteers Charlottesville/Albemarle, a community-based literacy organization (CBLO), has created online resources that support adults studying for U.S. Citizenship.
  • CILIA-T Civics/History Integrated Adult ESOL Instruction: This 16-module, open-access curriculum integrates U.S. history and civics content with academic English proficiency and digital skills.
  • Civic Online Reasoning:  The Civic Online Reasoning curriculum provides free lessons and assessments that help you teach students to evaluate online information that affects them, their communities, and the world.
  • Civics Instruction:  This page explains what is meant by civics instruction and provides resources for integrating civics instruction into the adult education program and/or classroom.
  • Virginia Museum of History and Culture Learning Resources: The Virginia Museum of History and Culture offers a variety of learning resources and activities, including an interactive virtual timeline that highlights items from the museum collection.
  • Right Question Institute: “Why Vote” Voter Engagement Resources: Education nonprofit Right Question Institute’s “Why Vote?” voter engagement strategy “is a way for organizations working in low-income communities to strengthen people’s motivation and determination to vote. 
  • EL Civics for ESL Students: This series of online courses will assist teachers in creating interesting, effective ESL lessons in U.S. History, U.S. Government, and Civics.
  • iCivics: This website provides educators with free lesson plans and activities for engaging learners in meaningful civic learning.
  • Teaching Skills that Matter Civics Education : This toolkit explains the definition of Civics Education according to WIOA and presents instructional strategies and lesson plans for implementing civics education in adult education.