Service Learning and the Presidential Election

For this specific  topic we believe that a huge attribute would be enculturation. Enculturation is "the process by which a culture and its civic values are transmitted from one generation to the next" (page 35 in our book). For some of us in class this will be our first year voting. For others it may be the second or even third time. Regardless, the issues being talked about in the debates and campaign ads are some critical issues and it's our duty to decide who wins it. To get where we are as a class today we've all gone through similar schooling. Everyone went to elementary school, middle school and high school and now we're finishing up college. We all have a great idea of what school is supposed to be and what we think education systems in our society need. As a separate generation from our parents we may notice things are different: disciplinary actions (how many of us have heard our parents tell us horror stories about nuns and rulers?), scholarships and things of that nature. As this generation, the education policies in discussion are directly affecting us. We are the generation (and our kids as well) that will see the most change. If Romney wins and his bills pass, our children may not get in to the school in their own district because he gave the choice to a disadvantaged child. If Obama wins and his bills pass our loans may just get forgiven after so many years of faithful payment. As first or second time voters, we really need to remember that this affects us in the here and now, and also for years to come.
http://www.education.com/topic/education-politics/        This website, www.education.com is a great source of articles all related to this topic. There are articles on Obama's view, Romney's view, how WE will be impacted today and in the future, how our children will be impacted, and lots of other interesting stories.


As for informational knowledge and procedural knowledge, students can touch on a bit of both in terms of choosing a candidate for the Presidential Election. What it breaks down to is- the informational knowledge, is the different aspects that go into Educational politics, such as things like budget cuts, No Child Left Behind Act, Curriculum, Standardize testing, Financial aid, etc.. Getting familiar with these ideas and aspects or "information" regarding education is a way of students to get a grasp on the informational knowledge surrounding the election. In terms of choosing a candidate whose ideas they agree with is more geared towards the procedural knowledge. Gaining insight on the democratic and republican parties through watching the news, speaking to other members of the community, knowing themselves as a voter, and actually getting out there and voting touches more of the procedures  of getting involved in the election.

In terms of a service learning activity, students might go down to town hall and help out at the polls. They could stand outside on election day and hold signs for the candidate that they feel would be the best for president based on what tey have researched, read about, watched, and talked about during the election.

 To teach this concept we would make a T-chart on the board. One side would have President Obama and all of his beliefs when it comes to education and the other would have Governor Romney and his stance on education.

  

President Obama	Candidate Romney
Funding cuts hurt students	Class sizes don’t matter: classes will increase
Put educators back to work	Reducing number of educators in each classroom
Hiring more math and science teachers to help prepare students for technology jobs in the future.	Eliminating programs that make a well rounded education
College tax credit helps millions attend college	Kick 2 millions kids out of head start
Wants everyone to have a chance for an education	Cut higher Ed funding by 10%

http://educationvotes.nea.org/2012/10/15/obama-vs-romney-two-visions-for-education/



Kiersten: When it comes to our topic there are a lot of ways to take action. The most obvious is to vote on Election Day. That is how I plan on taking action, unfortunately I can’t until election day so till then I will educate myself as much as I can one each side. I will watch the debates and do my own research and prepare myself to take action with this event. There is also picketing and other community involvement that can get one to be a part of this election. As an educator I completely feel that education can be used for public good. It is a great way to make students aware of current events happening in their communities. They can gather knowledge and choose to take a stance and make a difference. I do agree that the common good and right of a individual holds a definitive place in morality and ethics, however I am not sure how I feel about it transcending to politics and federal law. I do agree that it goes with teaching, all teaching, not just social studies.

Stephanie: As Kiersten mentioned, there are so many ways to take action when it comes to our topic. I will definitely be voting on November 6th and I hope you all will, too. If you feel anything at all for what you've read so far in our blog you should definitely get up and vote! Since the election is still a week and a half away there are other things we can do in the mean time to show our support and our action on this topic. Groups gather almost every day in certain places to hold signs for their candidate of choice. From signs to bumper stickers, almost everyone is voicing their choice now.  Personally there isn't a lot of opportunity to take action until election day but I've watched the debates, discussed it with peers and family and educated myself immensely on the topic. I feel that even in just the last two weeks I've learned a great deal of the in and outs on education in politics right now. As an educator I feel that this topic of education can definitely be used for public good. I wasn't well aware of the topic until we started this project and now I'm glad I am. I'm so informed on it I could teach multiple lessons on it. Students at almost every age deserve to be aware of the current events happening right outside their doors. Of course there are different ways to present these issues depending on the grade you're dealing with, but no one should be left in the dark. I agree that every individual no matter who they are can take a side and voice an opinion. However we mentioned this in our first blog-- we're not totally convinced that federal law and politics belong in education. They can work simultaneously to create education laws, but politics should never dictate education, in my opinion.

Shea: I feel the best way to take action in terms of our topic of educational politics would be to vote as well. We all have a voice and a right to vote. We are in a crutial age of starting to become members of the "real world". In these next years we will be starting our careers and establishing ourselves as adult members or the society. I think it is very important to raise awareness on voting. The Vote or Die campaigns are what come to my mind when I think about taking action. A person trying to raise awareness to register to vote could sign up and volunteer for organizations like this in attempts to get the young people to get to the polls.