Illinois Democracy School

an initiative of the

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Version 3.0

Illinois Democracy Schools is a joint initiative of the Illinois Civic Mission Coalition and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. To learn more about the initiative and the work of the Coalition, visit McCormickFoundation.org/DemocracySchools.

Published by McCormick Foundation 205 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 4300 Chicago, Illinois 60601

The Illinois Civic Mission Coalition (ICMC) is a broad, non-partisan consortium which includes educators, administrators, students, universities, funders, elected officials, policymakers, and representatives from the private and non-profit sectors. Formed in 2004 by the Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago, the ICMC is part of the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, a national initiative to restore a core purpose of education to prepare America’s youngest citizens to be informed and active participants in our democracy.

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation’s mission is fostering communities of educated, informed, and engaged citizens. Through philanthropic grant-making and Cantigny Park, the Foundation works to make life better in Chicagoland. The McCormick Foundation, among the nation’s largest foundations with more than $1.5 billion in assets, was established in 1955 upon the death of Col. Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Find out more at McCormickFoundation.org, follow us on Twitter (@McCormick_Fdn) and like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/McCormickFoundation).

Contents

Planning FormsLearning Experiences Inventory

Survey Planning Worksheet

Planning Stipend Request Form

2 Introduction

3 Glossary

4 Recognition Process Overview

5 Phase One in Detail

6 Phase Two in Detail

7 Phase Three in Detail

Introduction

Introduction

Page 2

A healthy democracy—one that thrives, not just survives—depends on the informed and active participation of all citizens. Yet civic learning experiences have nearly vanished from many of our schools, leaving the next generation ill-prepared for meaningful engagement in public life. The Illinois Democracy Schools initiative supports a growing network of high schools that are committed to reversing this trend, and empowering students to nurture and sustain our democracy.

Thank you for taking the first steps toward joining this network and contributing your efforts to such vital work.

High-quality civic learning experiences allow young people to develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions that facilitate informed participation in public life. Research has shown that these experiences also promote civic equality, build 21st century competencies, improve school climate, and reduce high school drop-out rates. The Illinois Democracy Schools initiative was launched to recognize and support high schools that are dedicated to expanding and improving civic learning experiences across the curriculum.

To sustain a school-wide commitment to civic learning, research has identified five ‘common elements’ that need to be in place. The process your school will follow to be recognized as a Democracy School—outlined in this guide—will allow you to assess the extent to which your culture already embodies these elements, as well as discover opportunities for improvement.

Recognized schools join the Democracy Schools Network, a community of faculty and administrators that supports sustained commitment through peer-to-peer learning and collaboration between schools. Member schools also receive financial support from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation to pursue civic learning improvement plans.

The Democracy Schools Approach

This guide will walk you through the three phases of the Democracy School recognition process, from forming a team of faculty and administrators to submitting an application. While it includes the instructions and tools necessary to navigate the process, members of the McCormick Foundation support team are always available to provide assistance. Contact Sonia Mathew at SMathew@McCormickFoundation.org or 312-445-5037 with any questions.

Using This Guide

Introduction

Glossary

Glossary

Page 3

Core Team

This team leads your school through the Democracy Schools recognition process. It must be comprised of—at a minimum—three teachers, the social studies department chair and your principal (or another building-level administrator). You will build this team during the first phase of the process.

Democracy School Mentor

Shortly after beginning the recognition process, your school will be assigned a Democracy School Mentor. This mentor will be available to provide guidance and support as you proceed through the process.

McCormick Support Team

This team, comprised of staff at the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, provides assistance to schools pursuing Democracy School recognition. They also manage the Democracy School Network, a community of faculty and administrators dedicated to sustaining and improving civic learning experiences at recognized schools across the state.

Democracy School Network

This statewide community of faculty and administrators at current Democracy Schools supports sustained commitments to high-quality civic learning through peer-to-peer learning and collaboration between schools.

Illinois Civic Mission Coalition (ICMC)

The ICMC is a broad, non-partisan consortium which includes educators, administrators, students, universities, funders, elected officials, policymakers and representatives from the private and non-profit sectors. Formed in 2004 by the Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago, the ICMC is part of the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, a national initiative to restore a core purpose of education to prepare America’s youngest citizens to be informed and active participants in our democracy.

Glossary

Recognition Process Overview

Recognition Process Overview

Page 4

*Although requests may be submitted and will be fulfilled after this date, schools who wish to become a Democracy School in 2017 must meet this deadline.

Administer all assessments & surveys

Host a Structured Interview at your school between March & May 2017

Compile & Review all documents required for Phase Three

Review the Democracy School Application

Determine roles, responsibilities & timeline

Facilitate at least one Core Team discussion

Submit your application by July 7, 2017

Build your Core Team

Review supporting materials

Participate in a Democracy School Orientation

Generate buy-in at your school

Submit a Planning Stipend Request by December 2, 2016*

PHASE ONE:PRE-ASSESSMENT

PHASE TWO:ASSESSMENT

PHASE THREE:APPLICATION

TYPICAL DURATION: 3 - 6 monthsSUGGESTED TIMELINE: June 1 - December 1

TYPICAL DURATION: 2 - 3 monthsSUGGESTED TIMELINE: January 1 - April 1

TYPICAL DURATION: 2 - 3 monthsSUGGESTED TIMELINE: April 1 - July 1

The Democracy School recognition process is comprised of the three phases outlined below. Detailed descriptions of each phase are provided on the pages that follow.

Complete Learning Experiences Inventory and Survey Planning Worksheet

Recognition Process Overview

Phase One in Detail

Phase One in Detail

Page 5

The Core Team leads your school through each step of this three-phase process. It must be comprised of, at minimum:

• three teachers (who can be from multiple disciplines)

• the social studies department chair

• the principal (or another building-level administrator)

Build Your Core Team

PHASE ONE:PRE-ASSESSMENT

PHASE TWO:ASSESSMENT

PHASE THREE:APPLICATION

TYPICAL DURATION: 3 - 6 monthsSUGGESTED TIMELINE: June 1 - December 1

TYPICAL DURATION: 2 - 3 monthsSUGGESTED TIMELINE: January 1 - April 1

TYPICAL DURATION: 2 - 3 monthsSUGGESTED TIMELINE: April 1 - July 1

Core Team members attend a Democracy School Orientation and emerge with a deeper understanding of:

• the benefits of improving civic learning experiences across the curriculum

• best practices for fostering lifelong civic engagement

• intersections between civic learning practices and Common Core, State Standards, the Danielson framework, and the Illinois 5Essentials.

Participants also:

• create a preliminary inventory of learning experiences to be included in the assessment

• identify stakeholders throughout the school who will be tasked with work related to the assessment

• begin planning for Phases Two and Three

Optional: Core team members may preview the Learning Experiences Inventory and the Survey Planning Worksheet prior to attending the Democracy School Orientation.

Participate in a Democracy School Orientation in Fall 2016

The Illinois Civic Blueprint details the civic mission of schools, the benefits of school-based civic learning, and the five common elements necessary to sustain a school-wide commitment to high-quality civic learning. It is a valuable primer for Core Team members, as well as the key stakeholders you will identify during this phase.

Review Supporting Materials

Democracy Schools exemplify a school-wide commitment to improving civic learning across the curriculum. To cultivate and sustain this commitment, it is essential to generate support among faculty, administration, and students, as well as to develop a shared understanding of what it means to be a Democracy School.

The Core Team will inform colleagues and students of your school’s participation in the recognition process, provide regular status updates, and share information from the Democracy School Network to build understanding and support.

Generate Buy-In at Your School

Submit a Planning Stipend Request to receive $500 that can be used to cover any costs associated with proceeding through Phases Two and Three of the recognition process. Although requests may be submitted and will be fulfilled after this date, schools who wish to become a Democracy School in 2017 must meet this deadline.

Submit a Planning Stipend Request by December 2, 2016

Phase One in Detail

Phase Two in Detail

Phase Two in Detail

Page 6

Upon receiving your Planning Stipend Request, the McCormick Support Team prepares and emails your Assessment Guide. This guide provides all the materials required to administer your surveys.

Once you receive your Assessment Guide, you can distribute surveys to the appropriate staff. We recommend that Core Team members review the surveys prior to distribution so that they can provide guidance and respond to questions.

Your Democracy School Mentor will monitor progress on survey completion and send timely updates.

A member of the McCormick Support Team will check in with the Core Team leader prior to your target completion date. At this time, you will decide upon a survey closing date, at which point no additional surveys can be completed. You will receive survey data reports within three weeks of the closing date.

Administer all Assessments & Surveys

Once your surveys are closed, a member of the McCormick Support team contacts the Core Team leader to arrange a structured interview at your school These interviews provide an additional layer of insights to civic learning practices and the organizational culture at your school. They also allow for the opportunity to discuss your assessment data.

Participants will include Core Team members, McCormick Support Team members, and the principal (or assistant principal in charge of curriculum and instruction).

Host a Structured Interview at Your School between March & May 2017

In Phase Three, the Core Team will draft a narrative that addresses why your school should be recognized as a Democracy School and sets forth your goals for civic learning. In preparation, begin to compile and review the following, as it will assist in writing your narrative:

• Dashboard and Summary Report from Structured Interview

• School mission and/or vision statement

• Complete course catalogue

• Student Handbook

• Photos of students participating in civic engagement activities (if possible)

Compile Materials to Review for Phase Three

PHASE ONE:PRE-ASSESSMENT

PHASE TWO:ASSESSMENT

PHASE THREE:APPLICATION

TYPICAL DURATION: 3 - 6 monthsSUGGESTED TIMELINE: June 1 - December 1

TYPICAL DURATION: 2 - 3 monthsSUGGESTED TIMELINE: January 1 - April 1

TYPICAL DURATION: 2 - 3 monthsSUGGESTED TIMELINE: April 1 - July 1

Phase Two in Detail

Phase Three in Detail

Phase Three in Detail

Page 7

Review the Democracy School Application

Your Core Team members should begin Phase Three by reviewing the Democracy School Application in its entirety. Doing so allows you to plan and assign the work required to complete the application. It also provides you with the guidance needed to analyze the data collected during Phase Two.

Determine Roles, Responsibilities & Timeline

Convene the Core Team to determine how work will be divided among members. Create a timeline that allows sufficient time to prepare, review as a group and revise application materials.

Facilitate at Least One Core Team Discussion

While Core Team members may prepare various aspects of the application independently, it is critical to engage in—at minimum—one discussion of the entire application package. In keeping with the spirit of the Democracy School recognition process, the application provides an opportunity for you to reflect, learn from one another, and collaborate on a school-wide initiative.

Submit Your Application by July 7, 2017

All applications must be submitted electronically by midnight on July 7. In August, the McCormick Foundation staff selects the schools that will be recognized in the 2017 Democracy School cohort. These schools become members of the Democracy Schools Network, a community of faculty and administrators that supports sustained commitment through peer-to-peer learning and collaboration between schools.

Schools that are not recommended for immediate recognition are provided with detailed feedback and may submit revised applications in 2018.

PHASE ONE:PRE-ASSESSMENT

PHASE TWO:ASSESSMENT

PHASE THREE:APPLICATION

TYPICAL DURATION: 3 - 6 monthsSUGGESTED TIMELINE: June 1 - December 1

TYPICAL DURATION: 2 - 3 monthsSUGGESTED TIMELINE: January 1 - April 1

TYPICAL DURATION: 2 - 3 monthsSUGGESTED TIMELINE: April 1 - July 1

Phase Three in Detail

Planning Forms

Learning Experiences Inventory

Use this worksheet to brainstorm learning experiences—both courses and activities—that you would like to assess in Phase Two of the recognition process. The results of these assessments will reveal examples of high-quality civic learning experiences at your school, as well as opportunities for growth and improvement. In Phase Three, you will analyze these results and reflect upon them in your application.

In developing this list, include experiences that feature one or more of the civic learning practices listed in column A. While it may be easy to identify experiences offered through the social studies department, challenge yourselves to consider courses and activities across the curriculum (column B).

Courses

A. Civic learning practice* B. Courses that feature this civic learning practice

Formal Instruction in Government, History, Law and Democracy

Teaching with Current and Controversial Issues

Service Learning Linked to the Formal Curriculum and Classroom Instruction

Simulations of Democratic Structures and Processes

Activities

A. Civic learning practice B. Activities that feature this civic learning practice

Extracurricular Activity to Encourage Greater Involvement and Connection

*Note that although one of the six proven civic learning practices is not listed above (authentic opportunities for student leadership and decision-making), surveys completed by students, faculty, and school leaders will reveal insights to this practice. These surveys are addressed in the Survey Planning Worksheet.

Illinois Democracy Schools

Learning Experiences Inventory

Survey Planning Worksheet

Illinois Democracy Schools

Survey Planning Worksheet Use this worksheet to think through logistical planning for the surveys you will administer in Phase Two of the recognition process. The findings will provide insights to civic learning experiences offered at your school from multiple vantage points—those of students, faculty, and school leaders. You also have the option of surveying parents and community partners. In Phase Three, you will analyze these findings and reflect upon them in your application.

1. Student Survey (required)

• This survey will reveal insights to both civic learning experiences and organizational culture.

• You will need to administer the survey to a representative sample of the student body. To be representative, the sample should reflect student demographics in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, parental educational attainment, and ability levels.

• Upperclassman are preferred given the survey’s focus on civic learning experiences in high school only.

• Consider administering the survey to students in required social studies classes in one or two grades.

Based on these guidelines, who among your students should complete this survey?

The survey must be completed online. How will you administer it (e.g., in a particular class or the computer lab)?

When is the best time to administer this survey?

2. Teacher Survey (required)

• This survey will reveal insights to both civic learning experiences and your organizational culture.

• You will need to administer the survey to a sample of your school faculty. Ideally, all members of your social studies department will complete the survey, along with a significant number of teachers in other academic departments.

Based on these guidelines, who among your faculty should complete this survey?

The survey must be completed online. What is the best way to distribute the link to this survey?

When is the best time to administer this survey?

Page 1 of 3

Survey Planning Worksheet

3. Leader Survey (required)

• Like the teacher survey, this survey will reveal insights to both civic learning experiences and your organizational culture, but from a broader perspective.

• You will need to administer the survey to the principal and members of his/her leadership team.

Based on these guidelines, who among your administrators/leadership team should complete this survey?

The survey must be completed online. What is the best way to distribute the link to this survey?

When is the best time to administer this survey?

4. Learning Experience Course Assessment & Learning Experience Activity Assessment (required)

Review the Learning Experiences Inventory your Core Team completed in Phase One. List the teachers/coaches for the courses and activities you have decided to assess, ensuring that you have representation across academic departments.

Learning Experience Course Assessment Teacher

Page 2 of 3

Survey Planning Worksheet

5. Parent & Community Partner Surveys (optional)

• While optional, you may find value in surveying parents and/or community partners in order to learn how stakeholders outside your school perceive civic learning experiences and organizational culture.

If you opt to survey one or both of these groups, who should receive the surveys?

The survey must be completed online. What is the best way to distribute the link to these surveys?

When is the best time to administer these surveys?

The survey must be completed online. What is the best way to distribute the link to this survey?

When is the best time to administer this survey?

Learning Experience Activity Assessment Teacher/Coach

Page 3 of 3

Planning Stipend Request Form

Complete and submit this form no later than December 2, 2016 to receive a $500 stipend that can be used to cover any costs associated with proceeding through Phases Two and Three of the recognition process. Although requests may be submitted and will be fulfilled after this date, schools who wish to become a Democracy School in 2017 must meet this deadline.

Illinois Democracy Schools

Planning Stipend Request Form

In what year do you intend to complete your application? (If you wish to submit your formal application in 2017, you must submit this form no later than December 2, 2016. You are also eligible for only one planning stipend.)

2017

2018

Phase One: Pre-Assessment

PhaseTwo: Assessment

Phase Three: Application

Which phase of the assessment and application process are you currently in?(Reference the diagram on page 3 for a description of each phase)

School Information

School Name

Address

City

Phone

Zip

District

Page 1 of 4

Core Team Members (Please list names and departments)

Teacher

Teacher

Teacher

Which of the above members is serving as the team leader?

Social Studies Chair

Principal

Today’s date

SECTION 1

Planning Stipend Request Form

SECTION 2

The Democracy School recognition process requires schools to commit both faculty and administration resources. This section is intended to assist you in identifying the opportunities and challenges that should be considered before proceeding to section 3 of this form, where you will develop a timeline for completing the process.

The work required of the recognition process often supports or aligns with other school- or district-wide initiatives. Examples include but are not limited to Common Core integration and Danielson Framework alignment.

Is this true for your school? If yes, how can you streamline your efforts?

1.

It will be necessary to familiarize your school community with the Democracy Schools initiative in order to generate buy-in during the first phase of the recognition process.

How will you accomplish this objective through trainings and/or communications? Consider regularly scheduled meetings and upcoming in-services, as well as e-mails and newsletters.

2.

There will undoubtedly be some challenges in completing the assessments and surveys. Examples include but are not limited to time crunches, testing pressures, and insufficient access to computers.

What are your foreseeable challenges and how do you plan to overcome them?

3.

There are likely specific times of year that will be particularly busy at your school. When developing your timeline in section 3, you will want to account for these periods.

What testing periods and special events demand a significant amount of staff time? When do they occur throughout the year?

4.

Page 2 of 4

Phase One

Start

Finish

MONTH YEAR

MONTH YEAR

Phase Two

Start

Finish

MONTH YEAR

MONTH YEAR

Phase Three

Start

Finish

MONTH YEAR

MONTH YEAR

Proposed Timeline

Review the recognition process outlined below, paying particular attention to the typical duration and suggested timeline for each. Then, based on the responses you provided in Section 2, enter a proposed timeline in the fields provided. (You may amend this timeline at a later date, if necessary.)

SECTION 3

Administer all assessments & surveys

Host a Structured Interview at your school between March & May 2017

Compile & review all documents required for Phase Three

Review the Democracy School Application

Determine roles, responsibilities & timeline

Facilitate at least one Core Team discussion

Submit your application by July 7, 2017

Build your Core Team

Review supporting materials

Participate in a Democracy School Orientation

Generate buy-in at your school

Submit a Planning Request Stipend by December 2, 2016*

PHASE ONE:PRE-ASSESSMENT

PHASE TWO:ASSESSMENT

PHASE THREE:APPLICATION

TYPICAL DURATION: 3 - 6 monthsSUGGESTED TIMELINE: June 1 - December 1

TYPICAL DURATION: 2 - 3 monthsSUGGESTED TIMELINE: January 1 - April 1

TYPICAL DURATION: 2 - 3 monthsSUGGESTED TIMELINE: April 1 - July 1

Complete Learning Experiences Inventory and Survey Planning Worksheet

Page 3 of 4

* Alternatively, forms can be mailed to McCormick Foundation, ATTN: Democracy Program, 205 N Michigan Ave, Ste 4300, Chicago IL 60601

SECTION 3 (continued)

PRINCIPAL (PRINTED)

Print all four pages of this form. Have it signed by your principal before scanning and emailing it to SMathew@McCormickFoundation.org.*SECTION 4

PRINCIPAL (SIGNATURE)

We recommend allowing at least a month-long window during which assessments and surveys can be completed. Please note that there is no penalty if you ultimately require additional time to collect responses.

Assessment & Survey Timeline

Target Completion Date:

Your Assessment Guide will include hyperlinks to these required surveys:

Parent

Community Partner

Surveys

Review the Survey Planning Worksheet you completed in Phase One. Select which of the following optional surveys you would like to administer. You may select one, both, or neither.

Student

Teacher

Leader

Proposed Assessment Plan

Learning Experiences Course Assessment (Teacher)

Learning Experiences Activity Assessment (Teacher/Coach)

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