Building School Communities That Prepare Youth to Thrive as 21st Century Citizens

• In Event: Youth Development and Civic Education

Abstract

Secondary education that effectively prepares all youth for success upon graduation, including in civic life, is a priority for democratic societies in an information-rich, technologically complex, globalizing world. This mixed method multiple case study, conducted by an interdisciplinary team in a research-practice partnership, examines the approaches of educators in “odds-beating” high schools possessing above-predicted graduation rates for racially/ethnically, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse students. These schools uniquely place an emphasis on actively co-constructing school as a community of learners by applying deeper learning (DL) strategies and positive youth development (PYD) priorities to achieve a humanizing learning environment. Utilizing DL and PYD facilitates well-rounded youth proficient in critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity, all necessary for democratic citizenship in the 21st century.

Authors

• Catherine Kramer, University at Albany - SUNY

• Amanda J Lester, New York State Education Department

• Kristen C. Wilcox, University at Albany - SUNY