Belief in the fundamental power of education has been long-standing. But if we can agree that schools have an essential role to play in preparing students to improve their own lives and the lives of others, we cannot seem to agree on what that means. The very same efforts that are applauded by some are viewed as misguided by others. The result for schoolchildren has been a mostly watered-down notion of teaching and learning that emphasizes obedience and routine over critical thinking and engaging with multiple perspectives. At the same time, the very foundation of civil society in many Western democracies is under attack. The number of young people worldwide now willing to entertain nondemocratic forms of government is on the rise. For example, nearly a quarter of U.S. youth aged 16 to 24 believe that democracy is a “bad” or “very bad” way of governing. About 70% of millennials do not think it is essential to live in a country governed by democratic rule of law. In this presentation, Joel Westheimer draws on research and practice to explore the promises and pitfalls of education in a time of rising populist support for anti-democratic forms of governance.

Ask people anywhere if they think children should learn how to be good citizens and most will say "of course." Ask them if teaching children to get involved – locally, nationally, and globally – is a good idea, and, again, most will assure you that it is. But beyond the clichés, when teachers and curriculum experts with the nitty-gritty details of what will actually be taught and what students will actually do, the consensus starts to fray. That’s where the real work of education and citizenship begins. In this presentation, Joel Westheimer shares the “Three Kinds of Citizen” framework he developed that is being used in 27 countries and tens of thousands of classrooms and schools, and in a state assembly visitor center. Whether teaching students to volunteer, follow the news, vote, or help authorities hunt down terrorists, hear how different schools throughout North America and the world imagine their future citizens. With humor, stories, and evidence from research, he engages the audience in a conversation about the purpose and promise of education in the 21^st Century.

Our cultural obsession with standards and accountability have had dramatic effects on what is and isn't taught in school. As teachers’ hands are tied to test preparation, students' opportunities to develop the skills of critical thinking that are so vital for any democratic society are severely constrained. In this presentation, Joel Westheimer shows how educators, parents and anyone interested in improving schools can restore both sanity to the classroom and dignity and professionalism to teaching.

In this presentation, Joel Westheimer draws on his research in thriving schools to talk about opportunities and obstacles for a Big Ideas curriculum. With breathtaking examples from around the country, Westheimer shows what a school curriculum devoted to creativity and thinking can look like and how such a curriculum is not only beneficial but vital for any democratic society.

Do national standards ensure quality education? Should students be medicated? Does a school need to be run democratically in order to teach democratic habits? Should students study controversial issues? Using the latest research, compelling anecdotes, and humor, Joel Westheimer takes audiences on a journey through the popular myths, distortions, and contradictions of school reform and the ways all of us can work to make schools vital.

Did you recite the pledge each morning in school? Do your children? Is it useful? After 9/11, dozens of states enacted new laws mandating that students recite the pledge, sing patriotic songs, and study the “greatest hits” of American history. What role, if any, does patriotism have in the school curriculum? Why and what for?