Based on decades of research and experience concerning how average citizens think and talk about issues, Public Agenda's Choicework Discussion Starters are designed to help groups and communities talk productively about public problems.
Our discussion starters, available here for free download, outline several different approaches to solving specific public policy problems, along with the pros, cons and trade-offs of each choice. We use everyday language, not professional jargon, and focus on the kinds of concerns and values that non-experts can readily understand. Many of our discussion starters have corresponding videos available here and on YouTube; some of our written discussion guides are also available in Spanish. Ready to get more involved in shaping the world we all live in?
Choicework Discussion Starters Available for Download:
Citizens' Solutions Guides
CITIZENS' SOLUTIONS GUIDE - EDUCATION
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2012
Each Citizens' Solutions Guide provides essential background on a complex issue and analyzes the pros and cons behind some of the policy solutions endorsed by candidates, so that voters can weigh the tradeoffs before they head to the polls.
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Issue Area(s): K-12 Education, Higher Education
K-12: Kids, Parents, Teachers, Schools
A QUALITY HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION FOR ALL
Addressing the Dropout Challenge in our Community
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2010
This Choicework Discussion Starter is intended to help you and your neighbors think together about how the schools and community can do more to help all students graduate
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Issue Area(s): Higher Education
READY FOR 21ST CENTURY CAREERS
Making Sure Students Get the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education They'll Need to Suceed in the New Economy
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2010
This Choicework Discussion Starter is intended to help your community discuss how to work together to ensure students today get the education they'll need to succeed in the 21st Century.
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Issue Area(s): K-12 Education, Higher Education
THE PURPOSES OF EDUCATION
A Public Agenda Citizen Choicework Guide
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2005
The Choicework Discussion Starter is designed to help you and your neighbors discuss what purposes of education are most important to you and what educational priorities you’d like to see in your own community.
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Issue Area(s): K-12 Education, Higher Education
Higher Education
EVERYBODY READY FOR COLLEGE
A Choicework Discussion Starter
Media Type: PDF
This Choicework Discussion Starter can help begin a conversation on ways to improve college readiness and help students achieve their goals.
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Issue Area(s): K-12 Education, Higher Education
SUCCESS IS WHAT COUNTS
A Community Conversation to Help to Help All Community College Students Achieve
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2008
This Choicework Discussion Starter can help community college administrators, faculty and students discuss approaches community colleges can take to help students achieve their goals and be more successful in college.
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Issue Area(s): Higher Education