This report examines the current state of citizenship instruction in U.S. schools, how we teach American citizenship, and what citizenship education looks like in California. The National Assessment of Educational Progress civics assessment determined that one-third of test-takers were below proficient and only one-fifth were at proficient level. The International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement used the Civic Education study to measure understanding of principles common to all democracies. The average score for 27 countries was 100, and American 9th- graders scored an average of 102. Research shows that students' experiences and education affect their civic understanding. Many experts say that students are detached from civic life. Adults in a Harvard/Gallup survey showed considerable consensus about the teaching of citizenship and patriotism. They want democracy and traditions of loyalty and patriotism to be taught, but also the tradition of dissent, individual worth, and human dignity. California has published a guide to the teaching of moral, civic and ethical principles. California's curriculum guidelines emphasize knowledge and cultural understanding; skills attainment and social preparation; and democratic understanding and civic knowledge. The guidelines for each grade level are comprehensively detailed. (RKJ)