Synopsis

Unfortunately, civic values such as equity and justice that constitute the moral grounding of American democracy are losing their place in public affairs. The promise of this democracy is inclusive: no one is to be left out. Yet many people are.

Education and the Making of a Democratic People regards the challenge of inclusiveness as a fundamental and non-negotiable educational agenda. America’s public schools are one of the main public forums in which people can learn to preserve and actively protect our democratic process. The value of our schools as a democratic forum extends beyond the classroom to parents and other members of local communities. By engaging in conversations and actions that support the democratic purpose of schools, local communities can ensure that the United States will become a healthy, robust democracy that represents all of its citizens.

Biography

John I. Goodlad is President of the Institute for Educational Inquiry and Cofounder of the Center for Educational Renewal at the University of Washington.

Roger Soder is Research Professor of Education in the College of Education at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Bonnie McDaniel is Research Associate at the Institute for Educational Inquiry.