University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Critical Thinking Center’s Post

Is Public Education Actually Public? And How Important Is It for Democracy?

Participatory democracy, a system that empowers citizens to actively shape public policies and decisions, requires a well-informed and engaged citizenry. Education plays a crucial role in equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.

Your regular reminder (as if you need it right now) that democracy is an ongoing experiment. And that schools, too, are an experiment. Neither is natural. Both are constructs. Democracy may not be the *best* way to govern, just as schools may not be (are not?) the *best* way to educate. But if you believe in democracy, yet you don't practice or advocate for democracy in the way you educate your children, then don't be surprised when democracy doesn't live up to your expectations. The reality is that schools are among the least democratic institutions we have. By design. Why is that, I wonder? #justsayin

We have a right to be enamored of the 'construct' of modern education. The benefits have been obvious, yet we are all concerned with the current iteration. We need to have these difficult conversations to more clearly identify and solve the unintended consequences of the system we have created. Most of us attempting to impact reformation of the current version focus on day to day instruction and assessment. This is important work. However, not often enough do we question the larger constraints preventing true transformation. I am frustrated with both the pace of change [far too slow] and breadth of change [far too narrow]. I'm more and more certain we are not examining and challenging the larger constraints. Yes, they are more difficult to alter, but the payout would [IMO] simultaneously address a majority of the current failures/weaknesses of the system. Your post reminds me of this essay https://bit.ly/3W3W8jo that asks us to reflect upon the unintended consequences of this 80 year old experiment. There are probably many iterations that will provide students with greater autonomy and agency. I co-founded one [it needed more alterations but gave great insight into what is possible] based on interdisciplinary, problem based/design thinking/STEM, collaborative. Here is a brief description of a model I believe would address many issues [and of course create many others]. 1. Remove the ridgid time and place constraints of the current model. 2. Students progress as individuals, not by age but by demonstration of where they are in their learning. [most will progress at similar rates] 3. Each student develops a personal learning progression with teachers AND participates in collaborative structures to address real world situations [local/global/any] 4. Each student has their own learning portfolio that documents their progression on the learning expectations [developed with their teachers(s) and feedback from teacher(s) as to the level of evidence, where and how to improve - not much different to what we do now] This structure demands learning targets have student accessible language and descriptors. It allows for autonomy and agency. It allows learning to be done anywhere and anytime. It maximizes potential engagement. I haven't gone into every little detail but it is completely achievable. Blended learning platforms, LMS systems, etc completely allow for this. The challenge, changing adult mindsets of what education CAN be. Infrastructure. At the moment students are kept in cells. An example of such a program is here: https://bit.ly/4cCsjO3

Join us in a thought-provoking critique of political influence in education. This video discusses controversial ideologies in schools and proposes solutions to restore core educational values. Watch as they analyze livestream reactions to educators' political rants and advocate for a balanced learning environment! #EducationReform #PoliticalInfluence #CoreValues #SchoolSystem #TeachingWithoutBias #LiveStreamReaction #EducationPolicy #CriticalThinking #EducationalDebate #TeacherContract

Day two at our Annual Conference, 'Hear My Voice: The Learner in Education & Citizenship' will see our panellists explore the medias impact on democracy and take a political focus. Our first panel will explore 'Media Matters: The Impact on Education & Democracy'. See our full line up in this short video and read our agenda here 👇 https://shorturl.at/nVDy6 Keep up to date with our conference conversation and use #HearMyVoiceETBI

In a new essay for the American Association of Colleges and Universities' Liberal Education magazine, Nick Longo reflects on the vital role of colleges and universities as what Teagle president Andrew Delbanco has called "rehearsal spaces for democracy": "We won’t be able to overcome increasing political polarization in society or public mistrust in higher education through one-time lectures or detached analysis. Rather, we need to think about campuses themselves as what Andrew Delbanco, president of the Teagle Foundation (which works to support liberal education), calls 'rehearsal spaces for democracy.' This means colleges and universities need to create opportunities for students to engage in practices that are the lifeblood of a healthy democracy: listening to others, participating in constructive conversations, weighing tensions and trade-offs, working collaboratively, and responding to real-world problems with responsible action." Read more: https://buff.ly/4d3ZH0v

Project 2025 poses a profound authoritarian threat to our vision of a just, multiracial democracy with a public education system accountable to communities. This toolkit offers a road map to respond to this threat and longer-term strategies for turning public administration into a force for equity and justice.    Read the @raceforward #fromProject2025toProject2029 report:  https://lnkd.in/dGmdxSua

To empower young people to engage in a vibrant democracy, they need to learn about and debate current political issues while understanding our political system. But how can this be done impartially? Our free guide, "Political Impartiality in Citizenship for Secondary Schools," offers crucial advice for schools and teachers to achieve this balance and create an inclusive learning environment. Download the resource to find out more 👉 http://ow.ly/198F30sFtc8 #CitizenshipEducation #PoliticalImpartiality #Schools #Teachers "

Libraries are crucial to Democracy. Please join me with this quick and easy action now!