Pledging Allegiance: The Politics of Patriotism in America’s Schools

Book – Non-fiction. Edited by Joel Westheimer. Foreword by Howard Zinn. 2007. 219 pages.
Educators address the politics of patriotism in America’s schools.

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What does it mean to be “patriotic” in the United States after 9/11? And how have the prevailing notions of patriotism—loudly trumpeted in the American media—affected education in American schools? In this wide-ranging, thoughtful, and spirited book, renowned educational leaders and classroom practitioners answer these questions with insights, opinions, and hard facts.

Focusing on critical issues related to patriotism and democracy in education, including the social studies curriculum, military recruitment in schools, and student dissent, this timely volume:

• Investigates the ways our schools have changed since 9/11.
• Examines efforts of educators who refuse to toe the new “patriotic” line.
• Explores how schools mediate national patriotic sentiments.
• Features brief provocative “Point of View” opinion pieces by a noteworthy cast of commentators.

[Publisher's description.]

Foreword by Howard Zinn.

Contributors: Bill Ayers • Michael Bader • Robby Cohen • Sharon Cook • Louis Ganzler • Gerald Graff • Diana Hess • Joseph Kahne • Robert Jensen • Gloria Ladson-Billings • Deborah Meier • Ellen Middaugh • Pedro Noguera • Cecilia O’Leary • Diane Ravitch • Joel Westheimer

Commentators: Bill Bigelow • Héctor Calderón • Edwin C. Darden • Peter Dreier • Delaine Eastin • Chester E. Finn, Jr. • Dick Flacks • Maxine Greene • Joan Kent Kvitka • James W. Loewen • Walter Parker • Charles Payne • Cindy Sheehan • Karen Emily Suurtamm • Studs Terkel • Denise Walsh

Joel Westheimer is Professor and University Research Chair in Democracy and Education at the University of Ottawa. He is the author of numerous articles on education and author of Among School Teachers: Community, Autonomy, and Ideology in Teachers’ Work (Teachers College Press).

Published by Teachers College Press.

ISBN: 0807747505