CIVED represented the largest and most rigorous study of civic education conducted internationally up to that time. The assessment covered the content domains of democracy and citizenship, national identity, and social cohesion and diversity. The engagement of young people in civil society was also a key focus. Questionnaires were administered to teachers and school principals, as well as students.
Phase 1 of the study was conducted in 1996–1997. Phase 2 data were collected in 1999 (standard population) and 2000 (optional population).
For more information, including in-depth reports and analyses, please visit the CIVED website.
The target population included all students enrolled on a fulltime basis in the grade that contained the most 14-year-old students at the time of testing (eighth grade in the majority of countries). Some of the participating countries conducted an additional optional survey of upper-secondary school students (ages 17–19).
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, Israel*, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and United States.
*Israel tested only the older age group, not 14 year olds
The international coordinating center was Humboldt University of Berlin, working in close cooperation with the IEA, and the national centers of participating countries.