–Students will identify the functions, and assess the effectiveness, of
their national and local governments, and our society based on the rule of law.
Ideals of American Democracy
–Students will explain the meaning of core democratic values expressed in
the Constitution of the United States, and describe political and legal
processes created to resolve conflicts involving core democratic values.
Legal Processes
–Students will identify the role of the adversarial system and alternative
dispute resolution for resolving conflicts.
II. SKILLS
A. Inquiry
Conducting Investigation
. Students, individually & cooperatively, will conduct investigations by
formulating a clear statement of a question, gathering and organizing
information from a variety of sources, analyzing and interpreting information,
formulating and testing hypotheses, reporting results both orally and in
writing.
Identifying and Analyzing Issues
. Students will state an issue clearly as a question of public policy, analyze
various perspectives on the issue, and evaluate possible ways to resolve the
issue.
B. Public Discourse
Discussion
. Students will engage their peers in constructive conversation about a matter
of public concern by clarifying issues, considering opposing views, applying
democratic values, anticipating consequences, and working toward making
decisions.
Persuasive Communication.
Students will express a position on a public issue and justify the position
with reasoned arguments.
C. Decision-Making and Problem Solving
Resolving Conflicts Peacefully.
Students will understand that government is not the only means to resolve
conflict. Students will be prepared to resolve conflict individually and will
be able to use conflict mediation and negotiation.
Collective Participation.
Students will identify the benefits of, and participate in, collective action
for communities.
III. BELIEFS
A. Civic Perspective.
Students will understand that:
Democracy has a positive role to play in helping people live together
peacefully.
They have an important role to play in the U.S. democratic system because the
system is only as good as its citizens.
They have a shared responsibility for making the system work for all.
Our system is dynamic and can improve.
Conflict is a normal part of life and can be resolved peacefully.
Making good choices means considering individual good and public good.
B. Public Discourse, Inquiry, and Decision-Making.
Students will understand that:
Exchanging ideas with others can help them make better decisions.
It is good to be curious and explore ideas.
Working cooperatively will often help reach a better result.
Learning can be, but is not always, fun.
Information is important in making a wise decision.
C. Citizen Involvement.
Students will understand that:
It is important to help others, even if they are different.
Everyone should treat others with respect, even if they are different than you
are.
People can resolve conflict nonviolently.
IV. ACTIONS–Citizen Involvement
Responsible Personal Conduct
—Students will consider the effects of their actions on other people, act
in accordance with the rule of law, and meet their ethical obligations as
members of society.
Community Participation.
Students, individually & cooperatively, will participate in their communities
by formulating and carrying out constructive responses to social problems which
promote the common good.
(Developed in 1995 & refined in 1997 involving Chicago Public Schools: Addams,
Haugan, Murray, Parker, & Sawyer and Illinois District U-46 Public Schools:
Clinton, Channing, Glenbrook, Hillcrest, & Laurel Hill )
Note: The knowledge and skills in this document were adapted from the Michigan
Framework for Social Studies Education, Draft 10, April 1995.
Last updated: January 2, 2002
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