Blogs

New KF Working Paper - Because I Can: Exploring Faculty Civic Agency

Submitted by Kettering Blog on Thu, 02/16/2012 - 19:24

This working paper reflects a series of conversations that have been taking place within the Kettering Foundation’s research on the democratic mission of higher education. In our research, we have noticed that many of the most innovative efforts have come from faculty who are deeply frustrated with narrow conceptions of what counts as scholarship and seek to connect their professional work with deeply held civic aspirations.

The Complete Version of KF's Documentary - No Textbook Answer - Is Now Available Online

Submitted by Kettering Blog on Thu, 02/16/2012 - 19:16

Education has been the topic of a handful of widely distributed documentaries in recent years. 2009’s Race To Nowhere highlights what some believe is an overemphasis on academic outcomes in America’s educational system, and that the subsequent risk to our children’s mental health. A play on the Obama administration’s controversial Race To The Top legislation, the film insists that education should accentuate creativity, instead of what some would argue are meaningless, stress-inducing academic outcomes.

Collaboration and the Ecology of Democracy

Submitted by Kettering Blog on Wed, 11/16/2011 - 19:37

This Kettering Foundation report explores the features and implications of citizen-driven, multi-party collaboration. Authors Kemmis and McKinney regard this problem solving across deep ideological and interest group divides as an important, but still emerging, form of democracy.

New Podcast by Scott London Now Available: What Does Economic Security Mean for Citizens, Policymakers?

Submitted by Kettering Blog on Tue, 10/11/2011 - 15:09

As a recent op-edin the New York Times noted, one major difference between the way Americans faced the Great Depression of the 1930s and the woeful economic situation of today is how we talk talk about it.

2011 Connections Now Available Online

Submitted by Kettering Blog on Tue, 09/27/2011 - 17:54

The 2011 issue of Connections in now available online. You can read (and comment) on individual articles and download either individual articles or the entire issue as a PDF. E-pub versions for your iPad, Kindle, or other e-readers will also be available soon. And of course, we still have printed copies you can order— just send us an email.

New Report, We the People Politics, Now Available from Harry Boyte

Submitted by Kettering Blog on Mon, 05/23/2011 - 17:55

Harry Boyte's newest report for the Kettering Foundation, We the People Politics, argues that it is crucial to recover and expand on a politics of deliberation and public work, with deep roots in the populist tradition, if Americans are to re-create civic agency and turn around the sense that we are losing control over our collective future.

Kettering Holds Briefings in Washington DC on Strategic Implications of Nationwide Public Deliberations for Policymakers

Submitted by Kettering Blog on Mon, 05/09/2011 - 18:21

The Kettering Foundation presents its annual Washington briefing sessions on May 10 and 11 at the National Press Club. This year's event consists of two discussions, "Economic Security: How Can We Take Charge of Our Future?" and "Nation of Debtors: Facing the Tough Choices." At these events, Kettering and the National Issues Foundation will be focusing on the strategic implications of where the public is on these issues for policymakers.

New Interview: "Educating for Democracy"

Submitted by Kettering Blog on Thu, 02/10/2011 - 18:48

In a new interview "Educating for Democracy," Scott London hosts a roundtable conversation with leaders from higher education and democracy activists about the what the civic mission of higher ed can and should be: service learning, voter information, or something deeper?

Is There Still a Public for "Is There a Public for Public Schools?"

Submitted by Kettering Blog on Fri, 12/03/2010 - 19:00

Is there still a public for Is There a Public for Public Schools? Apparently so. The book, written almost 15 years ago by Kettering Foundation President David Mathews, has been sold out for some time but it continues to be in demand. As a result, the foundation has reprinted 500 copies, which are now available.

Dartmouth Conference Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Submitted by Kettering Blog on Mon, 11/15/2010 - 19:00

Throughout the Cold War, even when it seemed that the United States and Russian governments were frozen in mortal combat, citizens from both countries were quietly talking to each other about their lives and what they wanted for their countries and the world.