Project
Citizen Objectives:
Project Citizen introduces
and trains students in the methods and procedures used in our political
process. The instruction materials help students to:
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learn how to monitor and influence public policy in their
communities
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learn policy making processes
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develop concrete skills and the foundation needed to become
responsible participating citizens
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develop effective, creative communication skills
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develop more positive self-concepts and confidence in exercising
the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Project Citizen
Goals
The goals of Project Citizen is
to develop students' commitment to active citizenship and governance by:
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provide the knowledge and skills required for effective citizenship
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providing practical experience designed to foster a sense
of competence and efficacy
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developing an understanding of the importance of citizenship
participation.
Project Citizen
Rationale
Democracy is self-government and self-government requires
effective citizen participation. the ultimate goal of citizenship
education is to enable students to become competent and responsible participants
in our constitutional democracy.
One component of effective, responsible citizenship is
the disposition and ability to monitor and influence public policies.
Public policies are embodied in the rules, decisions, and actions of government.
But policies of many other institutions, labor unions, religious organizations,
and schools also have a public character and significantly affect citizens'
lives.
For young students, learning experiences in democratic
participation need not be confined to those associated with governance
of classrooms and schools. The skills and knowledge needed for competent
and responsible citizenship participation associated with government at
the local, state and national levels can be taught at the upper elementary
and middle school levels. engaging young people in the issues that
directly affect them in these areas begins to develop the necessary knowledge,
skills, and dispositions to be effective citizens throughout their lives.
