Charge our schools with the task of developing a critical social citizenry.
Students equipped with the skills necessary to function as part of a critical social citizenry have done more than participate in established systems and community structures. They have practiced:
• critically assessing (questioning) established social, political, and economic structures
• exploring strategies for change that address root causes of injustice and inequity (and holding the elected accountable)
• acting to solve root causes of injustice and inequity within established social, political, and economic structures
“No Child Left Thinking: Democracy at-risk in American Schools”
Independent School, spring 2008
Comments (2)
Excellent point. I often hear politicians talk about the need to improve achievement in reading, writing, and especially math and science. I never hear them talk about social studies such as history, geography, civics or journalism, nor the arts such as literature, art, music or drama. It seems that they are most concerned with skills which enable people to become a useful part of the machine, rather than knowledge which will enable them to become engaged citizens who examine it critically. The reasons for this should be obvious to anyone.
Change our schools how? Children thinking about the Republic (what our government was supposed to be) or Democracy - mob rule. I was taught to think about all types of government rule. If I am following that our children need to be taught civics and critical thinking by unbiased teachers - I am all for it. Tell me more.