The Governor's School on Public Issues and the Future.

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    • Abstract:
      This paper looks at the approach taken by the Governor's School on Public Issues the Future of New Jersey that merges citizenship education and personal development. Although the students at the Governor's School have in common their age and potential, they also reflect the extraordinary diversity of New Jersey's people. Four complementary program ingredients were designed to blend students' personal involvement and open inquiry with their intellectual awakening: intensive courses, the evening series, integrative seminars and informal learning. For example, the environmental issues class witnessed recycling alternatives at a wastewater management plant and a composting plant. Through their explorations, students find that New Jersey is a microcosm of the nation and the world. All students and staff participate in a lively set of evening discussions, seminars, simulations and debates. A more personal level of learning is pursued within the context of integrative seminars and shared problem solving in the school community. To balance intellectual challenge with deep personal involvement and open expression of ideas and feelings, a strong sense of community and trust must be created within the group. The life of the community also served as a forum for learning to participate in the decisions of society.