Citizenship education is one of the most common curriculum elements in the nation, thus clarifying the nature of citizenship education would partially qualify a common purpose in public schools. A supposition of this research is that public schools are the best way to advance democracy in a pluralistic United States. R. Freeman Butts, an advocated for strengthening the teaching of democracy, offers 10 civic values as the common core of U.S. citizenship: justice; freedom; equality; diversity; authority; privacy; due process; participation; personal obligation for the public good (loyalty, patriotism, discipline, and duty); and international human rights. In this study conducted in a metropolitan area middle school two teachers were observed. The sixth grade social studies teacher used a direct approach, while the eighth grade American History teacher used a more interactive style. The data were collected during classroom observations and through analyses of the textbooks. The unit of measurement was the appearance of one of Butts' 10 civic values expressed in a statement or an action. The study found that all 10 civic values were used by both teachers during classroom presentation or discussion, but not all the civic values were demonstrated. The study concluded that citizenship education was taking place; however, using Butts' decalogue to study citizenship education is limited. The study supports the desirability and feasibility of studying citizenship education. (NL)