Walking the Democratic Talk: Introduction to a Special Issue on Collaborative Rule-Making As Preparation for Democratic Citizenship.

摘要: In the first passage above, Dewey urges us to see that democracy is about a great deal more than political forms and Constitutional guarantees. Democracy, his quote suggests, concrete, everyday relationships communities of interest experience. The bedrock resides in how we live work talk together as much it our Constitution laws. It embedded built upon develop practice skills making decisions, communicating interests listening others, respecting differences perspectives peoples. From this point view, on whole, schools educational systems democracy, but, at best, they limp walk. They teach - tracing history institutions, reviewing important constitutional provisions laws are made, discussing contemporary social issues, like (though probably less so these days with emphasis state federally mandated math language tests). Schools seek impart knowledge inculcate values, but provide little opportunity actual skills, learn through doing, or engage authentic would enhance one's ability participate role citizen democratic society. A number large-scale studies based extensive interviewing students report had no for participation decision process (Center Research Education American Liberties, 1970; Frymier, Bills, Russell & Finch, 1974; Kerr (2003); National Center Educational Statistics (2001).As Pahl concludes after research outcomes classroom practices, "Passive learning content alone not sufficient preparation active society" (1990, p. 254). wonder then, while there reason pride confidence also considerable concern their well-being. There serious grounds taking granted health including low rates elections, limited civic awareness, heightened alienation cynicism, loss public officials pockets intolerance bigotry, high crime incarceration (see, example, Nie, et al., 1996; Wright, 1976). above-noted concerns regarding adequacy citizenship vitality institutions key components special issue Secondary Education. This journal seeks address intersection two fundamental challenges education and, indeed, broader society control socialization. challenge establish maintain order discipline schools. socialization how, same time, prepare citizens be effective participants If resolved an authoritarian antidemocratic way, best wastes (a whole set teachable moments) worst undermines chance roles At dual challenge, focus potential what refer Collaborative Rule-Making (CRM) addressing both needs effectively. problem long respectable lineage sciences whose roots can traced back least Hobbes Locke. How any institution such motivate coordinate actions diverse individuals? principal ways ranged along continuum. one end (presumably right) approaches maintaining compliance might called which rely centralized extrinsic mechanisms, rewards, punishments, threats, powerful authority figures, closed procedures block change established routine, imposition decisions from above allow input those governed teachers well students. …