By Dr. Jennifer Ponder, UAB School of Education
Since schools are public spaces where all children are entitled to a safe place with the right to participate, teachers and administrators are the first line of defense against bullying. Unfortunately, school districts often adopt prepackaged curricula to help address these problems. While the intentions behind these programs are good, we are missing the mark completely if we ignore the actual voices of the very children who are dealing with these issues daily. To truly put a stop to this violence and abuse, children must be engaged in authentic learning experiences that directly relate to the unique issues they face in their everyday lives and have opportunities to come up with meaningful solutions for these problems. The Social Action Curriculum is one framework that teachers can use to help students address these issues.
- Social Action Curriculum Projects (SACP) are based on a democratic framework that
- seeks to understand students’ experiences, values, and beliefs
- challenges existing schema of civics
- teaches critical inquiry through primary source documents
- models democratic processes during instruction, including classroom management techniques with civic-minded goals
- integrates all disciplines with a foundation of civic education, and
- attempts to create a democratic classroom that fosters opportunities for students to engage in participatory and justice-oriented citizenship
Social Action Curriculum Projects move beyond the textbook-driven curriculum and give students opportunities to identify issues that are important to them and work through possible solutions. Reading, writing, and social studies standards are then purposefully connected to the issues, while students engage in democratic processes such as deliberation, collaboration, decision-making, and problem-solving to inform and influence social change. In addition to increased enthusiasm and motivation for learning, these experiences will ultimately help to build the foundation for civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for democratic citizenship in a diverse world. After all, the classroom is a microcosm of society that allows students to prepare for their role as global citizens.
SACP covers numerous curriculum standards, such as language arts, reading, social studies, and technology. The modules presented by Project Hope cover all these topics in the following way:
Language Arts
Students will practice deliberation and how to communicate their ideas effectively in writing and orally. Teachers can ask students to apply basic grammar, spelling, and writing mechanics in the development of campaigns, posters, etc., and require them to write for a purpose and intended audience. Students will also learn about different styles of writing (e.g., persuasive writing, storytelling, and newspaper writing). Public speaking and oral skills will be addressed if classes develop and participate in presentations at school-wide assemblies to encourage other students to treat each other with kindness and respect.
Reading
Students will read about bullying and issues of social justice through fiction and non-fiction texts. Students will also use the internet, conduct research, and expand their vocabulary as they learn about kindness, respect, and strategies to deal with bullies.
Social Studies
Students will learn the role of different institutions engaged in countering bullying and explore the lives of their fellow students. They will also learn about people who stood up for their rights in the past, how they can learn from these experiences, and how they can transform their own lives through building community. Geography, history, economics, and politics also play a role as students discuss the history of Alabama, the situation of people in urban vs. rural areas, children’s rights, and their own circumstances at school and beyond. Cause and effect associated with historical content teaches students how their own choices have an impact on others.
Technology
Students will develop their technology skills by learning how to develop multimedia presentations about internet safety and the dangers of cyberbullying.
The nature of social action curriculum projects allows the curriculum to evolve and transform beyond its original intent. As a result, students are deeply connected to the material and are key partners in the development of the project. The process of working toward a solution for a meaningful cause often creates opportunities for students to delve into more complex issues. Students and teachers often report an increase in agency, empathy, and autonomy after completing SACP. Partnerships with members of the community, local businesses, and/or government officials are also strengthened.
