Overview

"As democracy faces increasing struggles around the globe, there has never been a more important time to talk about civic education and the core democratic purposes of schooling. What Kind of Citizen? asks readers to imagine the society they would like to live in and then shows how schools can make that vision a reality. This updated edition responds to the many challenges that have occurred since this book was first published, such as a global pandemic, social justice protests, a rise in autocratic leaders, anti-woke laws, and more. Westheimer brings his now-classic text up to date with groundbreaking analyses of current policies, including those in Florida, Texas, and Arizona; standardized testing; prohibitions on teaching about race and racism; plus a new section on teacher education. There are many ways to teach children and young adults to engage critically with their world, but instead teachers are forced to test-prep for a narrow set of academic subjects. This book shows readers how schools can get back on track by creating more engaging, more democratic learning. Book Features: A comprehensive look at why schools should be at the forefront of public engagement and how we can make that happen. A framework that has been used in 67 countries to help teachers and school reformers structure educational programs that strengthen democratic societies. Research-based guidance for aligning school goals with what parents, children, and teachers actually care about. Accessible and engaging discussions gleaned through consultations with thousands of school teachers and civic leaders. Empirical research from one of the most influential frameworks for citizenship and democratic education, ""Three Kinds of Citizens,"" which emerged from a collaboration between the author and Dr. Joseph Kahne."

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9780807769720

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Reviews

"PRAISE FOR THE FIRST EDITION-- ""A timely and important book that will prove valuable to a wide audience.... a valuable addition to teacher education programs that seek to challenge preservice teachers to understand themselves as stewards of democracy and justice."" --Democracy & Education ""Highly recommended for anyone interested in 'reconnecting education to democracy'... (Westheimer's) constant connection with everyday experiences makes the reading very pleasurable, and reminds readers of the important place of emotion in education and politics."" --Education Review ""This book will have anyone with a vested interest in the future citizens of our world pausing to question the education system as we know it...A good read for teachers in need of some inspiration or for anyone looking for more insight into education in America."" --Green Teacher Magazine ""Westheimer has written a play for the masses: well written, fast paced and full of easy to follow anecdotes and examples drawn from his long experience as an educator and researcher."" --Citizenship, Teaching & Learning ""The message of this short and accessible book is that it is vital for schools to resist the pressures of standardization and offer educational spaces where young people can learn about what it means to be a citizen in a democratic society. "" --Philosophical Inquiry in Education ""In this refreshingly accessible book, Westheimer explains the importance of helping students to think critically and question tradition. He issues a welcome invitation to connect our conception of the ideal school to its impact on our broader society."" --Alfie Kohn, author and lecturer ""What does it mean to be a democratic citizen? And what kind of education produces one? Westheimer provides an invaluable roadmap for anyone who asks the big questions, no matter what they think of his answers."" --Jonathan Zimmerman, New York University ""This highly readable, persuasive book reminds us that, in our zeal for higher test scores, we seem to have forgotten the highest aim of education--to produce better people, more thoughtful citizens."" --Nel Noddings, Stanford University ""With What Kind of Citizen?, Westheimer distinguishes himself as a leading thinker and activist in the radical tradition of W.E.B. DuBois, John Dewey, bell hooks, and Fanny Coppin."" --William Ayers, activist and author ""The book is compelling, very accessible, full of inspiring examples, and sometimes even funny. It's a book that every teacher should have."" --Andy Hargreaves, Boston College ""Joel Westheimer argues persuasively that the current emphasis on standardization in the schools not only diminishes teacher professionalism, but conflicts with citizenship education."" --Diane Ravitch, New York University ""An alternative vision of schooling that speaks directly to today's social and environmental crises--and to young people's hunger for a meaningful life."" --Bill Bigelow, Rethinking Schools ""If you are tired of reading books about education reforms that promise quick fixes and improved efficiency in education, this book by Joel Westheimer is for you."" --Pasi Sahlberg, author and education policy adviser ""This necessary and brilliant book reclaims the important goal of defining schools as democratic public spheres, students as engaged citizens, and social responsibility as central to the project of education."" --Henry Giroux, McMaster University ""Provides practicing educators with a goldmine of information and examples that can help them to construct experiences that will prepare thoughtful, active, and engaged citizens."" --James A. Banks, University of Washington ""This timely and important book refocuses the attention of policymakers on providing students with learning experiences that equip them for engaged citizenship."" --Dianne Woloschuk, president, Canadian Teachers' Federation"

Author Information

Joel Westheimer is university research chair in democracy and education at the University of Ottawa and the education columnist for CBC Radio's Ottawa Morning show. He is the editor of Pledging Allegiance: The Politics of Patriotism in America's Schools.

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