Doesn't Everyone Have Rights to a Learner's Permit?

The word "rights" often conjures up emotions and images and a sense of entitlement. The word "rights" might be preceded with other words such as "civil," "constitutional," or "human." Merriam-Webster defines a right as "something to which one ha...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inSchool Library Media Activities Monthly Vol. 25; no. 9; pp. 19 - 20
Main Authors Gehrig, Jody, Bazzanella, Mary Beth, Hilton, Cheri, Nassar, Nance, Peterson, Carol, White, Nancy
Format Journal Article Trade Publication Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Baltimore Libraries Unlimited 01.05.2009
Libraries Unlimited, Inc
Subjects
21st Century Skills
Academic Freedom
Bill of Rights
Colorado
Committees
Critical thinking
Education
Educational Planning
Educational Practices
Educational Technology
Entitlement
High School Graduates
Information Policy
Learning
Media Specialists
Policy Formation
School dropouts
School libraries
Secondary school students
Secondary schools
Standard Setting
Student Motivation
Study Skills
Teaching Methods
Technology standards
Colorado
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Summary:The word "rights" often conjures up emotions and images and a sense of entitlement. The word "rights" might be preceded with other words such as "civil," "constitutional," or "human." Merriam-Webster defines a right as "something to which one has a just claim: as the power or privilege to which one is justly entitled." What about applying these ideas of rights to learners? Doesn't everyone have rights to a "learner's permit?" A group of innovative thinkers in Colorado recognized the opportunity and the need to address both of these issues: (1) lack of student motivation; and (2) declining skills. While pondering a vision statement to accompany the new "Standards for the 21st-Century Learner," it became clear that something was missing in the standards, the educational plans, and the accountability processes in the education system. Fundamentally, that missing item was--learner's rights. This article describes the creation of the "Learner's Bill of Rights." The journey forward of this Learner's Bill of Rights ensures that every student in Colorado and elsewhere has the right to a "learner's permit."
ISSN:0889-9371