History
Origins as Council on Public Legal Education
More than 20 years ago, the predecessor Council on Public Legal Education (CPLE) arose from the Access to Justice Education Committee.
With a focus on educating Washington residents on their legal rights and responsibilities, the Council was directed by retired Court of Appeals, Division I, Judge Marlin Appelwick and former Superintendent of Public Instruction Judith Billings. It was originally housed within the Washington State Bar Association, but later broke away and was housed under the lawforwa.org umbrella.
Ongoing efforts from the first years include the Law School for Legislators, the Street Law program taught by Judge-teacher teams, legislative funding for civics and special civic learning partnerships, efforts to require a .5 civics credit for all graduating high school students, and several other civics-focused efforts.
A New Civic Learning Initiative
A new Civic Learning Initiative led by Margaret Fisher arose in 2016 and tied in with national efforts. It accomplished two major Civic Learning Summits, a Washington portal with Washington-based lesson on the national iCivics program, a statewide survey of Washington teachers on the status of civic education in the state, and other successes. The first Summit was held in 2017 at the State Supreme Court with a focus on legislators. The second was held in 2018 headlined by Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Due to her leadership role in iCivics, Justice Sotomayor joined Washington in urging policy makers and educators to increase civic learning in schools.
Continuing the Mission as a Nonprofit
The CPLE transitioned into the Civic Learning Council in June 2019 as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, with its continued mission to bolster civic learning for all Washington State students.
The Civic Learning Council specifically addresses gaps in civic learning and how the state can be more effective in providing meaningful civic learning for all Washington youth. It focuses on the policies, resources, and support necessary for success in K-16 schools and youth development programs.