YLI Announces Partnership with Public Agenda
by Andrew Yarrow, Public Agenda
July 23, 2009
YLI and Public Agenda partner to present Facing Up to Political Issues
Americas democratic vision for education always has been not only to provide knowledge, the ability to think, and skills for work and life, but also to develop good citizens, engaged in ensuring a better nation and future. Yet, the countrys future is clouded by enormous fiscal challenges (made all the more evident by the current economic crisis)?an $11.3 trillion national debt and $45 trillion in unfunded long-term federal liabilities.
Why should students care Restoring fiscal responsibility is not just about entitlement, health care, Social Security, tax, and other budget reforms but also about not saddling young Americans with trillions of dollars of debt and preventing economic calamity for future generations.
Public Agendas new Students Face Up to the Nation?s Finances (http://www.facingup.org/)free, online package of easily understandable student learning materials can inform and engage students in the nature, causes, and potential consequences of our rapidly growing national debt and troubled government finances. It provides readings, films (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEom9G9mV6Q),slides, student discussion guides (e.g., http://www.publicagenda.org/facingup/pdfs/CD_SocialSecurityChoicework.pdf),budget games (http://marketplace.publicradio.org/features/budget_hero/),audio presentations (http://xmsatelliteradio.edgeboss.net/download/xmsatelliteradio/talk_content/bob_edwards/2008/complete_shows/mp3/bob_edwards_080620_hour_1.mp3?rss_feedid=591),an assignment and contest (http://www.facingup.org/contest-rules).
The materials, which now exist in formats for high school/middle school students as well as college and graduate students, can be adopted in economics, political science, sociology, U.S. history, public policy, social studies and other classes.
For more information visit publicagenda.com and facingup.org.
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