Educating for Democracy

Learning democratic principles is an important component of education. Ways in which to equip students with the necessary complex knowledge and skills for full participation in a democracy are explored in this report. The text focuses on the distinction between education for democracy and education as democracy, and it explores ways that the democratic process within schools can be encouraged, boosted, and nurtured. It looks at the intersection of education and democracy and explores the balance needed with democratic rights, responsibilities, and restraints. Ways in which to attain democratic outcomes are offered. Interviews with three educational leaders whose research and experiences center on educating for democracy are provided: Linda Darling-Hammond, Deborah Meier, and Margaret C. Wang. Each is asked to reflect upon the meaning of educating for participation in a democracy, particularly how schools can ensure academically rigorous education for all students. Each educator offers an array of strategies that range from democratic school structures to strengthened teacher education, to the use of student diversity as a tool to obtain powerful learning experiences and culturally relevant pedagogy. Some of the key elements of democratic school practices for disadvantaged students, along with the essentials of democratic teaching in action, are offered. (RJM)