O20 DEMOCRATIC SCrOOLS NOTICE: This material may Be protected by copyright law. [Title 12 US, Code} EDITED BY MICHAEL W. APPLE AND JAMES A. BEANE Darhare b. Guchagen ascD ASSOCIATION FOR SUPERVISION AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIAaso ‘Association for Supervision and Cursculum Development 1230 N. Pit Strect Alexandria. VA 22814 Telephone (203) $49-9110, Fax (703) 549-3891 Copyright © 1995 by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic of mechanical including photocopy. recording, or any information storage and retrieval sytem without permission in writing from ASCD. 'ASCD publications presenta variety of viewpoints. The views expressed or implied in this publication should not be interpreted as official positions ofthe Association, Printed in the United States of America Gene R, Caner. Executive Director Ronald S, Brandt, Executive Editor Nancy Modrak, Managing Editor ASCD Books Julie Houta. Senior Associate Editor Gary Bloom. Manager Design and Production Services Karen Monaco, Senior Graphic Designer Stephanie Jusien. Praduction Coordinator Valerie Sprague. Desktop Publisher ASCD Stock No. 1-95052 $1495, From the Editors: We welcome readers" comments on ASCD books and other publica: tions. IF yov would like to give us your opinion ofthis book or suggest topics for future books. please write to ASCD. Managing Editor of Books. 1250 N, Pitt St Alexandria. VA22314 Ae SSS Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Democratic schools edited by Michael W. Apple and James A. Beane. Pom. Includes bibliographical references (p. ISBN 0-87120-281-7 |. Public schools—United States —Case studies. 2. Democracy— Study and teaching—United States—Case studies. 3. Critical ‘pedagogy—United States—Case studies. 4. Educational equalization — United States—Case studies. 1. Apple. Michael W. II. Beane. James A.. 1998 LA2I72.Das__ 1995, 370.11'5—de20 95-7786 cP5 The Situation Made Us Special BARBARA L. BRODHAGEN We Sign Our Constitution The 7th grade classroom was alive with excitement and anticipation, students stretching their necks to try to look out the doorway. "Here he comes,” somebody said. Students quickly composed themselves, and all eyes were on the principal as he entered the room. Acting as spokesper- ‘son for the class, one student said, “Mr. Principal, you have been asked here today to witness the reading and signing of our classroom constitu- tion.” One voice began as 55 others joined in: We, the class of Rooms 201/202 at Marquette Middle School, in order to form the best class possible, pledge to live by the following statements: © We appreciate our individual differences. We recognize that each person is unique. # All individuals will be treated with respect and dignity. There is no room for put-downs in our room. © We will be honest with one another in order to build trust. We will learn to resolve conflicts, which may involve learn- ing to live with nonresolution. Each person will truly listen to every other person. We will cooperate and collaborate with one another. Learning will be meaningful. We recognize that people learn in different ways.