SR0149 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0149 LRB097 11310 NHT 53637 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, A unique opportunity exists in this State for secondary schools to be designated as Illinois Democracy Schools; these schools provide students with authentic experiences in the rights, responsibilities, and tensions inherent in living in a constitutional democracy; and

WHEREAS, Illinois Democracy Schools consciously promote civic engagement by all students, have an intentional focus on fostering participatory citizenship, and place an emphasis on helping students understand how the fundamental ideals and principles of our democratic society relate to important current problems, opportunities, and controversies; and

WHEREAS, Illinois Democracy Schools collaborate with parents, students, and their communities in developing a civic mission and in providing curricular and extra-curricular civic learning experiences for all students; and

WHEREAS, Illinois Democracy Schools engage all of their students in a continual process of improving and increasing civic learning and engagement; and

WHEREAS, Nine high schools in this State are currently designated as Illinois Democracy Schools, and thus have expanded their students' opportunities for civic education and engagement; and

WHEREAS, Quality civic educational opportunities are vital for all students in this State and should be included in every student's school experience; and

WHEREAS, The original intent of public schools was to prepare children to participate constructively as adult citizens in our democracy, while recent school reform efforts emphasized improving student achievement in reading, mathematics, and science only; and

WHEREAS, Like millions of their peers across the country, many secondary school students in this State lack sufficient formal instruction and opportunities for the development of civic engagement; and

WHEREAS, Civic education in schools can play a vital role in encouraging today's youth to become the active and informed citizens our democracy requires; and

WHEREAS, The strength of our communities, this State, and our nation depends on future generations understanding, appreciating, and actively engaging in civic responsibility; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend the efforts of those 9 schools that have already taken the necessary steps to become Illinois Democracy Schools; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage all secondary schools in this State to take the necessary steps to become Illinois Democracy Schools; and be it further

RESOLVED, That each school district's school report card shall designate which of the district's secondary schools, if any, are Illinois Democracy Schools and which are not; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Illinois P-20 Council, the State Board of Education, the State Superintendent of Education, and all regional superintendents of schools.