Centering Democratic Practices in Schools to Promote Personal Growth, Citizenship Development, and the Greater Good

• In Event: Civic Identities and Democratic Education

Abstract

In 2019, nearly twice as many countries experienced democratic decline as experienced improvement (Repucci, 2020). Schools have some responsibility for this decline. They must (re)claim their essential role in preparing young people for social and democratic life. This paper presents evidence demonstrating how centering democratic practices in schools can promote personal growth and citizenship development as well as prompt adults’ interest in improving the greater good. Data were collected from graduates of an independent school in Central America. Graduates revealed they are who they are today because of their experiences with democratic practices at their school. They described themselves as positively disposed towards civic engagement and better able to flourish in their personal and professional lives.

Author

• Allison M. Borden, University of New Mexico