USC Rossier Magazine: Spring/Summer 2020
Can Education Save Democracy?
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.
Dean’s Byline
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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?
In Conversation
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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.
Featured News
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
Students demand action on climate change. Can schools keep up?
Education systems aren’t prepared for one of democracy’s biggest threats
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
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
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
IN CONVERSATION
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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.
Student & Alumni Stories
Edgar Fidel Lopez completed the LA Marathon 3 times, but ensuring equity for first-gen students is his next finish line
Edgar Fidel Lopez
The Rossier PhD Student Challenging Expectations—in Foot Races and Higher Ed
Rossier Alum Takes on New Role Leading Stanford’s Black Community Services Center
Rosalind Conerly EdD ’16
Wherever Rosalind Conerly EdD ’16 Goes, She Builds a Sense of Belonging
Tips for Educators
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Tips for educators during an election year
Professor Artineh Samkian on how to facilitate difficult conversations in the classroom.
Opinion
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Why the top-down governance structures of higher education need revitalizing
Professor Adrianna Kezar on the importance of shared governance in universities.