New Article: Civic mission of schools

Posted by on April 1, 2005

[posted from Public Education Network Newsblast]

CIVIC MISSION TO DO WHAT’S RIGHT
From day one the mission of public schools in America was to instill and nurture the values of democracy. The reason was simple: Democracy can flourish only when an informed citizenry takes part in the process. William J. Cirone sees this basic concept underscored these days at far reaches of the globe where democracy is struggling to take root. Public schools always have been seen as one important mechanism for instilling the values of citizenship by teaching history, social studies, government, and rights and responsibilities. That goal seems even more important in today’s world. As daily life becomes more complex and distractions from mass media and entertainment grow exponentially, the challenge of getting young people to care about their country and their communities becomes more daunting. Yet several tools remain to assist public school leaders. High on that list are the opportunities for community service and meshing it with academic learning. The blend, as most educators know, is called service learning and it appears to make a real difference in the lives of those who take part. Studies show that students involved in community service tend to be more involved and better citizens, and they also improve their academic knowledge and skills. Nationwide our communities are filled with individuals who work for community betterment, in large and small ways, as volunteers or professionals or even just here or there as a worthy issue arises. To maintain those worthy activities, we all need to light that inner spark in our young people. We need to give them the chance to feel it.
http://www.aasa.org/publications/sa/2005_03/col_cirone.htm