This 3-part online activity is designed to help educators (i.e. new and experienced teachers, principals, counselors, other school leaders) explore the following questions:

• How do we ensure that all students are given equitable rights and responsibilities within our school community?
• What principles of democracy are most critical in decisions about classroom and school-wide subject matter and policies?
• How does the school environment in which one presently works reflect a strong value of democratic principles?

In Parts 1 and 2 of We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident, users will be exploring specific websites and responding to questions. In Part 3, the culminating activity, users are asked to expand upon their own ideas more fully. No site exploration is required in Part 3.

Within each Part, the WebQuest developers have suggested ways to group users. We know, however, that all of you will come to this with different numbers of users and varying time constraints. For these reasons, this WebQuest is flexible. Use it in ways that best meet your needs.

Part 1: Investigating Special Populations

In small groups of 3-4, explore one of the special population categories here. Each member of the group should visit every site within the special population category chosen. Then group members should come together to discuss/respond to the questions posed. (NOTE: It may or may not be possible to print out hard copies of the information found at the sites. Ask your instructor if you wish a hard copy of information.)

Part 2: About Democratic Schools

After your small group has answered the Part 1 questions, it is time for you to explore the Part 2 sites. Again, it is important that each of you explore the sites in this Part fully. Then, discuss and respond to the accompanying questions. Think carefully about the information/knowledge you gathered in Part 1 as you explore Part 2 sites.

Part 3: Culminating WebQuest Activity

Part 3 has two sections to it: First, in your original small groups (Part 1 & 2 groups), generate the lists requested. (Be sure to write out/print out one copy of each completed list for each group member.)

Next, divide yourselves so that a member from each group will join together with members from each of the other groups. Your new groups now will have people with knowledge of other special population categories. All of you will merge your ideas and build both lists anew.

Finally, as a whole, large group, we will discuss the final question:

What principles of democracy are reflected in the lists we've generated?

Written by Dr. Carla Mathison (cmathiso@mail.sdsu.edu) and Dr. Cathy Pohan URL: http://edweb.sdsu.edu/people/cmathison/truths/truths.html Last Update September 2000 WebQuest concept by Dr. Bernie Dodge Graphics adapted with permission from Cherokee Elementary School and Eyal Sherman.