Elements of Democracy Schools
Elements of Democracy Schools
To sustain a school-wide commitment to civic learning, research identifies key elements that can inform a K-12 systemic approach that engages multiple stakeholders. These elements build upon research from the Illinois Civic Blueprint, 2nd edition, the “Lived Civics” framework, and the Pedagogy Companion to the Educating for American Democracy Roadmap.
Creating Culture and Support for Excellence for All
“To meet our shared commitment to excellence for all, teachers and school and district leaders must design local curriculum and lesson plans with relevance, rigor, and relationship in mind. They need to design curriculum and curate content with student diversity in mind. ” Pedagogy Companion for the Educating for American Democracy Roadmap (pg.7)
Illinois Democracy Schools demonstrate a committment to preparing ALL students for civic life with K-12 learning experiences that provide mirrors for students to see themselves, windows to learn about others, and sliding doors to step out and see themselves as valued members of “we the people” charged to make a “more perfect union.”
This element of the IDS framework values equity, a growth mindset, diverse voices & experiences, capacity and opportunity building, and a positive school climate
Inquiry as the Primary Mode of Learning
“As a process, inquiry includes evidence-based pedagogical strategies including direct instruction, discussion, investigation, document analysis, project-based learning, and simulations of democratic processes to spark active, rigorous learning”
Pedagogy Companion for the Educating for American Democracy Roadmap (pg.15)
“The practice of democracy is not passed down through the gene pool,” Justice Sandra Day O’Connor once stated. “It must be taught and learned by each new generation.” Illinois Democracy Schools activate students voice, curiosity and lived experiences in civic inquiry across the disciplines to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions for effective civic engagement.
This element of the IDS framework values civic inquiry, media literacy, inclusive practices, collaboration, and diverse perspectives.
Practice of Constitutional Democracy & Student Agency
“…. teachers model practices of citizens in constitutional democracy and develop student agency by integrating opportunities for students to engage in civic practices and actions that are relevant, responsible, and informed.
Students learn how to exercise and understand civil rights and responsibilities to address issues that are pertinent
to their communities” Pedagogy Companion for the Educating for American Democracy Roadmap (pg.17)
Illinois Democracy Schools know that students do not have to wait until the age of 18 to be active members of their community. K-12 students can have a positive impact on their community TODAY. IDS schools provide an opportunity to be personally responsible, pariticipatory, and justice-oriented citizens.
This element of the IDS framework values the practice of civic skills, authentic action, celebrating and sharing successes, civil discourse, and training and modeling others.
Assess, Reflect, Improve
“Teachers have a growth mindset for themselves and their students, meaning that they engage in continuous self-reflection and cultivate self-knowledge.” Pedagogy Companion for the Educating for American Democracy Roadmap (pg.19)
The distinction of being an Illinois Democracy School is not a “destination” rather it is an acknowledgement that preparing students for civic life is a “journey” that is always evolving as the needs of our students evovle and change. The IDS Network provides a community of practice that uses a systemic approach to assess, reflect and improve of civic learning across the school system (CLASS).
This element of the IDS framework values assessment, reflection, improvement, outreach and collaboration, and a continuous cycle of improvement.
Educators
The Illinois Democracy Schools framework provides specific actions teachers, librarians, school counselors, coaches, sponsors and other certified staff can takes to promote IDS elements and values across the school system.
Student Engagement
The Illinois Democracy Schools framework provides guidance on how school staff can engage students in activities and learning experiences that promote IDS elements and values across the school system.
School Leadership
School leaders are dedicated to building, evaluating, and nurturing a team that can effectively fulfill the school’s civic mission. This includes fostering equity and addressing the diverse identities and lived experiences of both staff and students.
Community, Family and Caregiver Engagement
School leaders and staff ensure that the school and its community are a resource for each other and that there are frequent and meaningful interactions with families, caregivers, and community partners.