Submitted by sandra on Tue, 2005-10-25 18:23.
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In the Democracy in Action program, educators-in-residence – either a single teacher, or classroom and community educators working in tandem – receive training to become master teachers in democracy education. They then work with students, implementing and extending a curriculum that teaches “democracy skills” -- collaboration, critical thinking, research, and participation.
In conjunction with school district-mandated service learning requirements, the educators lead youth in applying their new skills to tackle real-life issues they have identified to be of importance within their communities.
Sessions are held in the National Center’s Democracy Lab, a space that houses electronic and print resources as well as accommodating small group collaboration and dialogue. |
| Democracy-in-Action class |
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Using the National Center’s Educational Framework, the master teachers work with students to engage in the process of being active and responsible citizens in today’s diverse society through guided learning, peer-to-peer dialogue, problem-solving activities and interactive projects.
Through the program, students from different areas work together with the master teachers to develop valuable skills in critical thinking, research, participation, and collaboration. They learn how culturally diverse people have historically shaped democracy; tackle contemporary real-life issues in the community; and produce a meaningful hands-on community project. |
| The Democracy in Action program was launched in Spring 2005 with Monica De Francisco of Manual Arts High School, Los Angeles, as the master teacher. |
| During the Summer 2005 Democracy in Action program (July 11-August 19), Master Teachers Ruben Guevara and Gilbert Valles worked with students as they organized an awareness concert as their civic action project. “Rock ‘n’ Rights: Rockin’ for the Mentally Disabled,” staged on the Plaza adjacent to the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, generated awareness for this neglected and marginalized population. The concert was held in partnership with Lamp Community, a non-profit organization providing housing, health recovery and job training to homeless men and women with serious mental illness. Donations of personal hygiene items, canned foods, phone cards, clothes, shoes, bedding, books, etc., were collected at the concert in support of Lamp Community. |
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| Performing group Old Souls |
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