Culminating DDA International Conference A Success!

With great ability and success, CRFC convened the culminating conference for Deliberating in a Democracy in the Americas (DDA) for more than 130 teachers and participants at the Union League Club of Chicago June 25-27. Teachers from Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and the United States gathered to share their experiences and learn new insights in promoting deliberation and democratic theory in schools and using deliberation as an authentic learning opportunity.

More than 9,300 students participated in DDA during 2011-2012.  Preliminary evaluation data presented at the conference show remarkable program range and impact:

· Students registered statistically significant increases when describing their increase in knowledge about political issues as compared to peers; when having something to say when political issues or problems are discussed; and understanding political issues

· 91% of students reported a better understanding of the issues discussed through deliberations, 84% reported an increase in their ability to state their own opinions, and 82% credit the deliberations for an increase in their confidence when talking about controversial issues with their peers

· 90% of teachers will continue using deliberation in their classrooms next year

Special thanks to Steve Elrod, who spoke with participants at the welcome luncheon; Diana Hess and Carolyn Pereira, who offered keynote presentations; and to Renee Citera, whose Union League membership enabled participants to meet downtown in such historic surroundings.

CRFC has conducted DDA in partnership with the Constitutional Rights Foundation in Los Angeles (CRF) and Street Law, Inc. and with funding from the U.S. Department of Education. The two-year program will conclude by the end of 2012.

For more information, contact Nisan [x204, chavkin@crfc.org].