Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, American educators have been debating what to teach students about the new threat posed by international terrorists. While the threat has intensified, the basic questions about the importance and role of civic education are similar to those faced by previous generations. In preparing our children for the responsibilities of democratic citizenship today, what lessons should we learn from attempts to reinvigorate civic education in earlier times of international conflict?

Jeffrey Mirel, professor of educational studies and history at the University of Michigan, has examined this question and will present his findings at this event. AEI senior fellow Lynne V. Cheney and William Galston, Saul I. Stern Professor of Civic Engagement and director of the Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy at the University of Maryland, will respond. Frederick M. Hess, director of education policy studies at AEI, will moderate the discussion.