Getting Students Involved in Public Issues.

Abstract

This study determined whether teaching strategies about cont oversial issues of housing were effective in developing public policy competencies and public participation (action, behavior). Policy education is a systematic study of timely, con troversial, public topics, which involve the use of resources and have implications for the general well being of the individual and the total society. It provides students with a framework for examining issues on a cost-benefit basis, and with an opportunity to become involved in affecting change. The emphasis shifts from the isolated study of facts to the impact of making choices and taking action. Students who become ac tively involved in issues of direct concern to them have the opportunity to understand and to affect the process of change. The method of resolving the issue can become as important as the issue itself and can represent a life-long skill. Technological, social, economic and political developments directly affect the lives of everyone. Government must be "the people's business." If not satisfied with existing policies, a citizen's responsibility is to observe, evaluate and work for change. Stanley