Community and Rights: Youth Defining Citizenship

• In Event: Roundtable Session 84
  In Roundtable Session: Democratic Citizenship in Education Paper Discussion 2

Abstract

My study explores how students attending the César Chávez School for Public Policy (Chávez), an urban charter school committed to educating for democratic responsibility, describe their civic experiences, roles, identities, and responsibilities. Participants in my study were given opportunities to gain knowledge, practice skills, and develop a sense of political efficacy; each important elements of developing a civic identity and propensity to politically or civically engage. I interview high school seniors to explore whether students’ views and propensity to action are consistent with the mission of the school and each other. I argue that the school’s intense focus on educating for democratic citizenship may provide an intervention that helps these youth develop a civic identity.

Author

• Pamela J. Gordon, Harvard University