Recognition Process
Democracy Schools Recognition Process
Illinois Civics Hub (ICH) at the DuPage Regional Office of Education is excited to be the new home of the Democracy School Initiative through generous funding from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. The ICH is committed to building on the work begun by the Constitutional Rights Foundation of Chicago, with the recognition of 4 schools in 2006, and then expanded, to over 70 schools, under that stewardship of the Democracy Program at the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
The Democracy School Recognition Process provides schools with an opportunity to be elevated for their commitment to civic learning through an examination of instructional practices and organizational structures. The Democracy School distinction can be incorporated on a school’s state report card and, in communications with the larger community, to advocate how school practices have been distinguished to support students to succeed in college, career, and civic life. Member schools also become part of the Democracy Schools Network (DSN) to facilitate civic learning across the disciplines through professional development, communities of practice, and regional convenings of the DSN. DSN schools also have opportunities to apply for targeted funding to support their continued growth.
Once designated as a Democracy School, individual schools will have the opportunity to renew their commitment to being a Democracy School every four years through targeted reflection on both their successes and continued opportunities for growth.
If you are interested in learning more about Democracy Schools, please email Sue Khalaieff, Democracy Schools Manager. Please be advised that the ICH Support Team currently has the capacity to support the addition of 8 schools in the 2022-23 school year. Schools will be selected based on regional representation, with priority given to areas in the state of Illinois that are underrepresented.
Below is a brief overview of the process.
1. Make the Commitment
Review this guide to Becoming a Democracy School and complete the Google Form linked in the guide to make your formal commitment to participate in the Recognition Process no later than November 1st, 2022.
2. Assessment of Civic Learning Across the Disciplines
To participate in this process, Illinois high schools create a school-based team of 6-8 individuals that consists of teachers from various disciplines, administration, and students. After participating in an orientation with the ICH Support Team, your Democracy School team works with colleagues at their school to survey a representative sample of students and staff to get data on the civic learning experiences, organizational support, and civic engagement outcomes for students.
After participating in an orientation with the ICH Support Team, the school team has an opportunity to reflect on their student data and then complete an assessment of Civic Learning Across the Disciplines (C.L.A.D.) that explores the frequency and quality of Democracy School indicators as it relates to civic learning practices and organizational supports in the school. The C.L.A.D. Tool helps the team identify areas they would like to focus on in strengthening and deepening their commitments to school-based civic learning.
3. Surveys
Your Democracy School team works with colleagues at their school to survey a representative sample of students and staff to get data on the students’ civic learning experiences, organizational support, and civic engagement outcomes.
4. Data Summary
ICH Support Team will compile and share a dashboard summary of the collected survey data with schools, providing guidance as to how to read and analyze the data.
5. School visit
ICH Support staff conduct an on-site interview with the team to discuss the team synthesis of self-assessment and survey data. In addition to this discussion, ICH Support staff meet with an administrator to discuss the next steps.