More than 60 years ago, 48 countries signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. With this act, the United Nations took a stand to declare that "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights," and "all peoples and all nations . . . shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms." Educators in a modern democratic society keep this spirit alive by ensuring that their students become active, well-informed, and caring citizens. In order to do so, schools must commit to the essentials of a democratic education: freedom, discussion, involvement, and equality.

An education which prepares young people for active participation in democratic society is a critical element of any whole child approach to education, and reflects best practices in curriculum and instruction across all content areas. It fulfills the civic mission of schools and reflects a deep understanding of the global economy and society in which young people from all walks of life participate.

• Learn more about the four essentials of a democratic education.

Books

See free sample chapters, study guides, and author interviews.

• The Unfinished Revolution: Learning, Human Behavior, Community, and Political Paradox. (2001)
• Developing More Curious Minds (2003)
• The Respectful School: How Educators and Students Can Conquer Hate and Harassment (2003)
• The First Amendment in Schools (2003)
• Content-Area Conversations: How to Plan Discussion-Based Lessons for Diverse Language Learners (2008)
• Educating Everybody's Children: Diverse Teaching Strategies for Diverse Learners, Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition (2008)
• Managing Diverse Classrooms: How to Build on Students' Cultural Strengths (2008)
• Motivating Black Males to Achieve in School and in Life (2009)
• Meeting Students Where They Live: Motivation in Urban Schools (2010)
• Teaching English Language Learners Across the Content Areas (2010)

Videos

• Author Nancy Frey interview: "Productive Group Work: How to Engage Students, Build Teamwork, and Promote Understanding"
• Author Yong Zhao interview: "Catching Up or Leading the Way: American Education in the Age of Globalization"