"For 20 years, the University of Pennsylvania has been a model for how an urban university can engage creatively with its surrounding community. In this thoughtful book, architects of this program describe its philosophical roots and explain how a bold, imaginative effort can invigorate democracy and civic life in ways that enrich the lives of students and neighbourhood residents alike. —Derek Bok, Interim President, Harvard University

The link between the work of community schools and the vision of philosopher John Dewey is explored in a new book by Lee Benson, Ira Harkavy, and John Puckett. In Dewey's Dream: Universities and Democracies in an Age of Education Reform, the authors quote this passage from Dewey’s writing: 

"…community schools, whatever the differences among them caused by varying economic and social patterns, have a common philosophy. These schools are based upon the democratic ideal of respect for each individual person and his [or her] right to participate in the affairs of the community which concern the common good. . . . Such a program is characterized by change in response to changing needs, continuous experimentation to seek out satisfactory ways of achieving common goals and careful evaluation of the results of its activities." (123)

The authors re-examine John Dewey’s idea that schools, specifically community schools, are the best places to foster a racially, socially and economically just democratic society.  America’s colleges and universities, the authors argue, bear a responsibility for—and would benefit substantially from—working with schools to develop democratic schools and communities.

Using illustrations from over 20 years of experience that the Centre for Community Partnerships at the University of Pennsylvania has had working with public schools in the West Philadelphia neighbourhood, the authors demonstrate how their ideas can be put into action. By emphasizing community problem-solving as the foundation of education, their work has awakened university students to their social responsibilities, helped K-12 students succeed and contributed to a strong community. And while the project is still young, it demonstrates that Dewey's "Utopian ends" of creating a truly participatory democracy can lead to positive and lasting improvements for schools, families and communities. 

To read the press release and obtain more information about the book, click on Newsletter link: http://www.communityschools.org/newsletter/newsletterv.4.24.html.

To order this book, go to: http://www.temple.edu/tempress/titles/1892_reg.html