How an integrated approach to citizenship education can help schools contribute to the citizenship competences of their students

This chapter focuses on a deep understanding of the role of schools in fostering students’ citizenship knowledge, attitudes and skills. In addition to providing an overview of what we already know from the existing literature, the chapter draws insights from a Dutch study on secondary schools. Using a comprehensive school effectiveness model specifically aimed at citizenship competences as educational outcomes, we describe the interplay of a wide range of citizenship education elements, ranging from education policy and the professional learning environment to teaching approaches and school climate. The findings of the study underscore the interaction between a focused policy on citizenship education and teachers’ actions regarding citizenship, and the importance of an open, democratic, and social climate among both students and teachers. In more general terms, the chapter highlights the relevance of an integrated approach to citizenship education that not only focuses on elements of the classroom context, such as teaching practices and perceived environment, but also pays attention to the broader school context, including the organisation of citizenship education and the professional learning environment for teachers. It also acknowledges the influence of students’ sociocultural backgrounds and lives outside school and the varying approaches to citizenship education across schools.