First Amendment Schools

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• Learn more about American history, Civics and Government, and social studies.

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This national school reform initiative was “designed to help schools teach and practice the civic principles and virtues vital to democracy, freedom and the common good. First Amendment Schools (FAS) was launched by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) and the First Amendment Center on March 16, 2001, the 250th anniversary of James Madison’s birth. Today the First Amendment Schools Network includes schools throughout the nation – K-12, public and private – committed to becoming laboratories of democratic freedom.”

The focus of the program is on four main areas: Democratic Freedom, Rights and Responsibilities, Community Engagement, and Active Citizenship. A student area provides information on key court cases and frequently asked questions for the five freedoms: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, and freedom to petition. The First Amendment 101 Challenge tests students as to what they think they know about the First Amendment to the Constitution. They can also play the trivia game, Newsmania, from Newseum.

Educators will find lesson plans, publications, research and reports, and website links. An interactive FAS checklist lets teachers see how well their school embraces democratic principles.

Schools can apply to be affiliates in the program. “Affiliates commit to the guiding principles of the FAS Project, receive materials and resources on democratic freedom and whole school reform, and are eligible for small grants to support best practices for implementing First Amendment School principles.”