Spring / Summer 2020
Can Education Save Democracy?
(Illustration/Chris Gash)
USC Rossier believes it can.
“Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.” President Franklin D. Roosevelt wrote this message to educators in September 1938, during American Education Week. His words were clear: An educated democracy is the only democracy that works.
Below are highlights from our Spring/Summer issue that explore this topic in depth. You can flip through the entire issue at the bottom of this page. Please check back for new content over the coming weeks.
Dean’s Byline
The Health of Our Educational Institutions Reflects the Health of Our Democracy
How do we leverage the power of our schools to defend against threats to our democratic systems?
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How do we leverage the power of our schools to defend against threats to our democratic systems?
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In Conversation
Julie Marsh on Why Local Power Is Essential to Democracy
USC Rossier Professor of Education Policy discusses strategies for engaging local stakeholders, her experience as a researcher and how COVID-19 will impact funding for education
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USC Rossier Professor of Education Policy discusses strategies for engaging local stakeholders, her experience as a researcher and how COVID-19 will impact funding for education
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Feature
To Create the Best Learning Environments, Start With Self-Determined Students
Research on the autonomy-supportive classroom shows it increases engagement, teaches students to self-govern and leads to better learning outcomes
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Research on the autonomy-supportive classroom shows it increases engagement, teaches students to self-govern and leads to better learning outcomes
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Feature
Students Demand Action on Climate Change. Can Schools Keep Up?
Education systems aren’t prepared for one of democracy’s biggest threats
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Education systems aren’t prepared for one of democracy’s biggest threats
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In Conversation
Mary Helen Immordino-Yang on Why Democracy Needs Abstract Thinkers
Neuroscientist, psychologist and USC Rossier professor of education discusses adolescent development, her new research center and what her kids have taught her
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Neuroscientist, psychologist and USC Rossier professor of education discusses adolescent development, her new research center and what her kids have taught her
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Feature
Dean Karen Symms Gallagher Fights On for Equity
Returning to scholarship, Dean Gallagher will investigate what keeps women out of the most powerful jobs in education
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Returning to scholarship, Dean Gallagher will investigate what keeps women out of the most powerful jobs in education
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Student Profile
The Rossier PhD Student Challenging Expectations—in Foot Races and Higher Ed
Edgar Fidel Lopez completed the LA Marathon 3 times, but ensuring equity for first-gen students is his next finish line
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Edgar Fidel Lopez completed the LA Marathon 3 times, but ensuring equity for first-gen students is his next finish line
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Feature
How a School of Refugees Led By a Rossier Alum Is Demonstrating Democracy
Elias Vargas EdD ’17 is transforming civic engagement, starting in the classroom
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Elias Vargas EdD ’17 is transforming civic engagement, starting in the classroom
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Tips for Educators
Tips for Educators During an Election Year
Professor Artineh Samkian on how to facilitate difficult conversations in the classroom
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Professor Artineh Samkian on how to facilitate difficult conversations in the classroom
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Feature
USC CAC Adviser Gerrel Sayles Is Helping Turn College From Dream to Reality
Gold Nikes are his draw, but this sneakerhead’s goal is college attendance
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Gold Nikes are his draw, but this sneakerhead’s goal is college attendance
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Alumna Profile
Wherever Rosalind Conerly EdD ’16 Goes, She Builds a Sense of Belonging
Rossier Alum Takes on New Role Leading Stanford’s Black Community Services Center
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Rossier Alum Takes on New Role Leading Stanford’s Black Community Services Center
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Opinion
Why the Top-Down Governance Structures of Higher Education Need Revitalizing
Professor Adrianna Kezar on the importance of shared governance in universities
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Professor Adrianna Kezar on the importance of shared governance in universities
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