What is Democracy's Place in Schools?

I had a conversation with my first and second graders the other day about adults.  They were inquiring as to why it's acceptable for adults to talk in the hallway, but not students.  I had to break the news to them that many teachers are "do as I say, not as I do" people.  I told them that teachers frequently remind students not to talk when someone else is talking, but as soon as they step foot in a meeting or workshop, they stop following those rules.  Their mouths dropped open and the incredulous looks on their faces reminded me that everything I do is being watched by their curious, observant eyes.  I told them that I try really hard not to do anything that they're not allowed to do.  If I ever do, I need them to tell me so we can discuss it.  After all, it's their classroom too.  We decided on the first day of school when we wrote out our class rules that it's not my classroom, it's OUR classroom. 

What does that even mean?  

It's democracy, plain and simple.  Merriam-Webster defines democracy as a government by the people.  The people that make up my classroom should have a say in nearly everything because it directly affects their day to day lives.  They should, but do they really?  Check out the video above and ask yourself, "Are my students this excited about what we do in class every day?"

Where's the Love? 

While I can pretend that my students have a say in how the classroom is run, they really don't.  Do they love school as much as those in the video?  Unfortunately no, that is not the case.  If democratic education causes students to have this love for learning and school and life, why don't I know more about it?  Why are we not putting it into practice in our classrooms every day? 

Democratic education is not new.   

John Dewey was arguably one of the most well known proponents of democratic education and yesterday marked the 61st anniversary of his passing.  If this issue has been tossed around educational circles for almost one hundred years, why aren't we doing more to study its effects? 

John Dewey

Most information available on democratic schools is from non traditional or alternative schools.  Yet, as of the fall of 2012, almost 50 million students are enrolled in public schools in the United States.   It's those very public schools that are facing increased criticisms and finger pointing.  It seems any and all blame that can be thrown back to schools and teachers is becoming all too common.  Teacher morale continues to take a hit with all the hyperbole. 

What can we do about it?  

Michael W. Apple and James A. Beane wrote about the necessity for implementing democratic education into public our schools to counteract these criticisms.  After reading their suggestions, I found myself uplifted and ready to give my students more choice, more responsibility, and more autonomy.  As the school year winds down, I realize I've got some down time to put my plan into action.  What's the worst that can happen? 

Sound off in the comments below. 










Dewey, John. [Photograph]. In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/media/9948/John-Dewey