Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2011

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

EdD

College

College of Education and Human Services

Department

Curriculum & Instruction/Literacy Studies

Committee Chair

Joy Faini Saab.

Abstract

This case study examined the pedagogical practices of four teachers of one public elementary school whose mission seeks to nurture and maintain democratic habits for participation in a democratic society. Historically, public schools have been charged with the duty of preparing young minds to live within in a democratic society and as such this argument has been cited as one of the fundamental reasons for providing public financial support of schools. The exploration of how pedagogical choices and curriculum development were used to create opportunities for experiencing democracy was considered within the specific social contexts of the school. Contexts considered included student composition, school organization, school size, school resources, and the effects of federal educational policy were measured vital to this case study. Findings included that democratic habits was an effective instructional tool but was limited due to the external contexts of federal educational policy.

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