Do you have information you would like to share in future
issues of Citizenship Matters? Send submissions to Ann Rautio at arautio@ecs.org.
The ECS National Center for Learning and Citizenship (NCLC) assists
state and district policymakers and educators developing policies
that support K-12 school-based service-learning opportunities. These
educational experiences help students acquire the skills, values,
knowledge and practice necessary to be effective citizens. The NCLC
identifies and analyzes policies and practices that support effective
citizenship education, creates and disseminates publications for
education stakeholders, and convenes meetings to develop a collective
voice for citizenship education and civic mission of schools. NCLC
also encourages policy support and system structures to integrate
service-learning into schools and communities. For more information,
visit www.ecs.org/nclc.
Welcome to CITIZENSHIP MATTERS, from the NATIONAL
CENTER FOR LEARNING AND CITIZENSHIP (NCLC) at the EDUCATION COMMISSION
OF THE STATES (ECS). This bimonthly newsletter focuses on ECS' work in
improving citizenship education in our nation's schools.
Guest Column Constitution Day, September 17, gave Sam Chaltain the opportunity to reflect on the extent to which we remain willing to commit to the social covenant on which our nation is founded and on the DEMOCRATIC ROLE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION. Read Sam's Thoughts on Constitution Day. /clearinghouse/78/52/7852.doc
Election season provides opportunities to discuss with students a range of controversial issues being debated by candidates for public office. It is an ideal time to develop in young people a commitment to engage in a democratic discourse about contentious issues and to work to resolve those differences. In time for the 2008 election season, the Center for Education in Law and Democracy, in COLORADO, has developed four lesson plans for use in classrooms this fall (and afterward). The lessons are available for downloading. http://www.lawanddemocracy.org/2008.Election.html
Good Reads As the school year begins, students, teachers, administrators and parents face a variety of exciting opportunities and challenges. Although we usually feature timely reports and other publications in this section of Citizenship Matters, in this issue, we're highlighting an important message from SPECIAL OLYMPICS which we encourage you to consider and act on. Our commitment to democratic principles is undeniable as is our commitment to establishing the safest and most nurturing learning environments for all students. /clearinghouse/78/53/7853.doc
According to a new EU Report, "results uniformly suggest that there is a SIGNIFICANT DEMOCRATIC RETURN associated with formal education." Read Does Formal Education Have an Impact on Active Citizenship Behaviour? /clearinghouse/78/54/7854.pdf
A broad review of the literature by the RAND Corporation concludes that the QUALITY OF SCHOOLS can have a major impact on the community, including employment and earnings, local tax revenues, housing values, crime rates and the physical and mental health of community residents. See the report at: http://www.rand.org/pubs/documented_briefings/2008/RAND_DB562.pdf
New Center Publications Service-Learning Policies and Practices: A Research-Based Advocacy Paper builds upon existing NCLC work, and provides a research-based SERVICE-LEARNING FRAMEWORK encompassing the simultaneous renewal of five critical components shown to institutionalize and maximize service-learning effectiveness: vision and leadership, curriculum and assessment, community-school partnerships, professional development and continuous improvement. This paper translates service-learning's research-based evidence for education leaders and identifies best practices and policies. /clearinghouse/78/58/7858.pdf
Meetings & Events The NATIONAL LEARN & SERVE CHALLENGE, October 6-12, 2008, is a concentrated week of special events and activities designed to spotlight service-learning successes around the country. It is also designed to show support for Learn and Serve America and inspire other schools and communities to launch their own service-learning initiatives. Now is the perfect time for you to join your peers from around the country to shine the spotlight on service-learning in your local schools and community. http://www.learnandservechallenge.org/
The Forum for Education and Democracy is expanding its DC office with the addition of SAM CHALTAIN as national director. Chaltain, a veteran educator, social entrepreneur and M.B.A., will be charged with facilitating the articulation and implementation of a strategic plan that can guide the Forum's work going forward. /clearinghouse/78/56/7856.doc
Other Useful Web sites STRONG AMERICAN SCHOOLS is a nonpartisan public awareness and advocacy effort aimed at elevating discussion among America's leaders about the need for education reform. This campaign seeks to unite all Americans around the crucial mission of improving our public schools by elevating the discussion to a national stage. Visit their Web site to see what the campaign is advocating in the way of creating more common and rigorous standards, attracting and maintaining a quality teacher corps and extending learning time. http://www.edin08.com/
The Dirksen Congressional Center is a non-partisan, not for profit organization that seeks to IMPROVE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT by promoting a better understanding of Congress and its leaders through archival, research and education programs. http://www.dirksencenter.org/
The Prudential SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY Awards honor young people for voluntary service to their communities. Maximum award: $5,000 for an honoree and a $5,000 grant to a nonprofit, charitable organization of the honoree's choice. Eligibility: students in grades 5-12 who have engaged in a volunteer service activity within the past year. Deadline: Oct. 31, 2008. http://www.prudential.com/spirit/
International Focus In the UK, as in the United States, people are becoming less engaged in the formal democratic process. The UK Ministry of Justice has published a discussion paper to encourage discourse on ways to address this challenge. The paper sets out a proposed FRAMEWORK FOR GREATER CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT, by increasing opportunities for people to participate in the decision-making process between elections and in ways that encourage participation by those whose voices are not often heard, and requests comments. A paper summarizing the responses to this discussion document will be published in October 2008. http://www.justice.gov.uk/docs/citizen_engagement.pdf
The Eighth GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE will take place in Paris, France this fall from November 19-22, 2008. This conference is an exciting opportunity for professionals in the field of youth development to come together to discuss the potential for national youth service to promote community and youth development. Past participants have come from 48 different countries on six continents, as well as from several international organizations. http://www.icicp.org/ht/d/sp/i/3862/pid/3862#IANYS
