Democracy Schools Network

Monthly Update

September 2024

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9!!

Civics: How shall we live together?

Democracy Schools Network Annual Convening

Monday, September 23

8 am--2 pm

Northern Illinois University Conference Center, Naperville

Please consider joining us for our DSN Annual Convening!! We are delighted to give our members this access to experts in the field on topics that matter to ALL educators who value schoolwide civic learning. Expand your understanding by engaging with speakers and colleagues on such issues as Student Voice, Current and Controversial Issues in the Classroom, 2024 Election, various aspects of Media Literacy, SCOTUS, and Artivism. Explore new avenues and get inspiration from fellow DSN members who share stories of their own experiences in their schools and classrooms. 

There is no fee for this day-long experience, which includes a light breakfast and lunch.

Our work on the new K-12 Illinois Democracy Schools model is in its final stage, so we hope that you will invite a colleague from an elementary or middle school in your district to attend and take a deeper dive into civic learning for all.

Please register here.

iCivics Launches Updated Website

For more than a decade, iCivics has been a trusted provider for free, nonpartisan civic education resources. As they have grown into leading a nationwide movement to prioritize civic education, their new look and feel are intended to more accurately depict all the ways their work supports you and your students.

• The new Resource Dashboard allows you to effortlessly search through materials by grade and resource type. New and featured products are also easier to find now!
• The new Resource Guides offer planning and integration tools and teaching ideas to inspire knowledge, curiosity, and civic engagement in your students.
• The new student homepage is designed specifically for your learners and is packed with fun games, videos, and engaging activities to make learning enjoyable.
• For tips, check out the frequently asked questions. 

Civics Hive Podcast

The Civics Hive is a NEW podcast that takes you on a journey through the intersection of civics and technology, preparing students for active civic engagement in the 21st century.

In each episode, hosts MJ Warden and Mary Ellen Daneels will explore essential questions with expert guests including leading educators, tech innovators, and passionate advocates, all sharing their wisdom and experiences to empower you with the knowledge you need to make a difference. This month's episode features Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University. This essential question is addressed: "How can we engage youth in a meaningful way in the 2024 election?"



If you missed our past episodes, it's not too late to catch up on our thought-provoking discussions with:

• Award-winning author and EdTech Teacher Shawn McCusker who discusses the essential question, "Is AI good for Democracy?"
• Dr. Joseph Kahne from the Civic Engagement Research Group to discuss the question, "What does it mean to educate for a diverse democracy?"
•  Joel Breakstone from the Digital Inquiry Group (formerly Stanford History Education Group or SHEG) who addresses the essential question, "How can students practice civic online reasoning?"
• Dr. Leah Bueso, Assistant Professor of Urban Education at the University of Illinois Springfield, discusses current challenges that students with disabilities face in terms of civic equity.

Earn Your Microcredentials 

Become a Guardian of Democracy Educator

The Illinois Civics Hub has partnered with the Lou Frey Institute at the University of Central Florida to provide educators the opportunity to earn microcredentials in the proven practices of civic education embedded in the middle and high school civics course requirements in Illinois. Courses include:

• Current and Controversial Issue Discussions—Learn from academic experts Dr. Diana Hess & Dr. Paula McAvoy as you explore the purpose, role, and function of discussion strategies as pedagogical tools to equip young people to be engaged citizens. This course will enhance the practice of educators with strategies and resources to create a classroom climate in which there are equitable opportunities for ALL students to engage in dialogue about essential questions across the curriculum.

• Simulations of Democratic Processes—Learn from academic experts Dr. Walter Parker & Dr. Jane Lo as you explore how democratic processes and procedures occur as part of the regular functioning of government, in each of the three branches of government, and at each level of government. This course will guide you through the purpose, planning, and implementation of three simulations: town hall meetings, legislative hearings, and moot courts.

• Informed Action through Service Learning—Learn from academic experts Dr. Joseph Kahne and Jessica Marshall as you explore the purpose, role, and function of informed action through service learning as a pedagogical tool to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be active members of their community. In this course, you will interact with strategies and tools you can use in your classroom to support student-centered informed action through service learning.

• NEW: Constitutional Democracy as Content and Practice—Learn from academic experts Dr. Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg, Dr. Shawn P. Healy, and Dr. Bonnie Laughlin Schultz as you explore how the Educating for American Democracy Roadmap can help teach constitutional democracy as both content and practice across disciplines K-12.

Registration information is available on the Guardians of Democracy homepage. Those who successfully complete the 5-week online course will earn a Bronze Certified Guardian of Democracy Educator badge via Badgr and the University of Central Florida Center for Distributive Learning.

Participants can earn 15 PD hours through the DuPage Regional Office of Education. Please note that, due to some changes in our funding, the Democracy School Network will no longer be offering a stipend to participants.

There are three strands of courses for each proven practice of civics education. Graduate credit is available through the University of St. Francis for completing all three courses. For more information, please visit the Guardians of Democracy homepage.

Check out our website for PD opportunities, resources and inspiration.

illinoiscivics.org