Instructors in higher education arts programs have a responsibility to promote active citizenship and to encourage their students to use the creative arts as a vehicle for positive social change. However, in dance curricula, incorporating these concepts can be challenging, given the long history of structured technique pedagogy and the specific…

Developing a course with a service-learning component includes several factors. One common mistake among faculty members involves the practice of sending students into the community without a plan for connecting the experience with the learning objectives of the course. Invariably, the service component is where the experience ends for the…

In too many places, community members have abdicated their collective responsibility for education, thinking it only happens in schools. But if their role as citizens is to wrestle with tough problems together, and education is a primary societal function, then it stands to reason that educational accountability focused solely on schools would…

Among the many notable features of Coos County, New Hampshire, is the region's high level of community engagement and a rich civic culture. Community and Environment in Rural America (CERA) surveys by the Carsey Institute have shown that nearly one-fourth of adults in the community report membership in a civic or fraternal organization, and an…

Offers seven community service projects for secondary school students designed to improve communication skills and promote civic involvement. (PRA)

This paper outlines citizenship issues facing the United States today and presents ways to address these issues in society. Voter turnout, welfare issues, the national service program debate, curriculum reform, and multiculturalism all interface with issues of citizenship in a democracy. Elements contributing to the modern understanding of…

This commentary focuses on the need to develop collaborative efforts between academic divisions and the community. While the role of the public school in the community has not changed, there is growing concern that the personal interactions between schools and the community have been lost, thereby dismissing students' need to understand their…

Outlines the six elements from educational research that enhance the value of community service programs. Summarizes three school-based programs: Community Involvement Program in Minnetonka, Minnesota; Early Adolescent Helper Program in New York, New York; and Youth Community Service in Los Angeles, California. (SLM)

Reports a New York State Education Department mandated government participation course. Course requirements were to examine public policy issues and to incorporate a participatory element. Describes four programs that were implemented by school districts: Effective Participation in Government Program; The Community Service Corps; National Issues…

Youth Community Service (YCS), is the largest, urban, school-based service program in the nation. Through chapters on 24 high school campuses and district-wide leadership development retreats and conferences, YCS students examine community issues, and plan, initiate, and complete community service projects. This document is a yearly publication…

Describes a project which pairs Ottawa, Canada, high school students with local nursing home residents in an effort to enhance students' development and increase their awareness of the world. Concludes that the experience is rewarding as students perform a valuable service, learn responsibility, and make friends in the community. (GEA)

Recommendations to increase knowledge of American history and of the rights and responsibilities of citizens among public school students in Massachusetts are outlined and discussed. The recommendations made by the special study committee were based on two state-wide surveys (one of secondary teachers and social studies directors or chairpeople…