Making character and civic education a part of everyday life for educators, students parents and communities was the aim of the first "Creating Effective Citizens: Renewing the Spirit of America" conference July 18-20 at Fresno Pacific University.
General sessions drew from 75-120 participants, while smaller meetings focused on everything from student rights of religious liberty in public schools to teaching through mural and art programs. Speakers included representatives from Fresno County Youth Service Council, Fresno County Office of Education, Tulare County Office of Education, Visalia Unified School District, Freedom Forum First Amendment Center and California State University, Fresno, as well as teachers and principals.
Conference goals were:
- Engage educators, students, parents and community leaders in developing a new school/community model for civic and character education that renews the civic mission of education and the spirit of America.
- Identify local and national exemplary programs that teach character and civic responsibility and promote active participation by students, educators, parents and communities.
- Create an opportunity to train educators in a school-wide approach to civic and character education that will become a national model for staff development.
- Create an opportunity for youth to have a voice in school and community issues, and to participate in leadership training and service activities that address school and community problem solving.
The event was sponsored by FPU, the Fresno County Office of Education, California 3Rs (Rights, Responsibilities, Respect) Program and the National Council for the Social Studies.