Educating for Democracy in a Digital Age

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

MARCH 29, 2011

 

8:00-8:45 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast

Hart Auditorium Mezzanine, Georgetown University Law Center

9:00 a.m. Welcoming Remarks

  • Julie O'Sullivan, Associate Dean, Georgetown University Law Center
  • Walter Isaacson, President, The Aspen Institute
  • Robert Gallucci, President, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

9:10-9:30 a.m. Opening Remarks by Hon. Sandra Day O’Connor, Associate Justice, Retired, United States Supreme Court

9:30 – 9:40 a.m. Introduction first panel by Hon. Lee Hamilton, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives

9:40-10:50 a.m. What is Civic Literacy?

It is almost universally accepted that citizens need basic knowledge and skills to effectively participate and lead. But what does civic literacy include, and does it change over time?

  • Ray Suarez, Senior Correspondent, PBS Newshour (moderator)
  • Howard Gardner, Education Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education
  • Diana Hess, Education Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Craig Watkins, University of Texas, Austin
  • Jay Winik, Historian and best-selling author, "April 1865" and "The Great Upheaval"

10:50-11:05 a.m. Break

11:05-12:15 a.m. Innovative Civic Programs for Today’s Youth

New media and other changes are shaping the way students participate in their communities and around the world. How are emerging programs capitalizing on new technological, educational, and social realties to engage students in civic learning and participation?

  • Evan Thomas, Professor of Journalism, Princeton University, and author of "The War Lovers" (moderator)  
  • Nijmie Zakkiyyah Dzurinko, Executive Director, Philadelphia Student Union
  • Akili Lee, Director of Youth Strategy and Development, Digital Youth Network
  • Andrew Slack, Executive Director, The Harry Potter Alliance
  • Abby Taylor, Executive Director, iCivics Inc

12:25-1:55 p.m. Lunch Introduction by Robert Gallucci

Lunchtime Discussion: Stories from students

2:05 – 2:20 p.m. Joe Kahne reports on his research and comments on trends in the field 

2:20-3:30 p.m. Policy Objectives to Improve Civic Education and Participation

We know that civic learning happens when youth are active, their interests are engaged, and learning extends from school to outside of school. With that in mind, what policy reform measures would ensure that youth become active, thoughtful, and engaged citizens?

  • John Heilemann, Journalist, New York magazine, and author of "Game Change" (moderator)
  • Eric Liu, Former Deputy Domestic Policy Director to Bill Clinton, and author of "Guiding Lights: How to Mentor - and Find Life's Purpose"
  • Bonnie Reiss, Former California Secretary of Education
  • Marta Urquilla, Senior Policy Advisor to the White House Domestic Policy Council’s Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation

3:30-3:50 p.m. Keynote Remarks by Hon. Arne Duncan, United States Secretary of Education 

3:50-4:15 p.m. Presentation of the Wilkey Award  

4:15-5:00 p.m. Plenary session moderated by Bob Gallucci, Walter Isaacson, and Justice O’Connor

5:00 p.m. Closing remarks by Justice O’Connor

This conference was sponsored by Georgetown Law, The Aspen Institute, and iCivics and supported by The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.