DOCUMENT RESUME

Simply put, human rights education is learning that develops the knowledge, skills, and values of human rights. Growing consensus around the world recognizes education for and about human rights as essential. It can contribute to the building of free, just, and peaceful societies. Human rights education also is increasingly recognized as an effective strategy to prevent human rights abuses. Starting in April 2000, surveys, which were developed through consultation with human rights educators across the nation, were mailed to a select sample of 120 knowledgeable persons in state education, asking them to respond to questions about the level of inclusion of human rights topics within their state policies. This initial analysis of data is based on surveys returned from all 50 states. The first survey question asked whether the respondent's state had statewide mandates, standards, guidelines, or proficiencies for human rights education. The only data reviewed here are from those states responding in the affirmative (40