Empowering Children to Lead Change: Incorporating Preparedness Curricula in the K-12 Educational System
Abstract : A combination of both man-made and natural disasters in recent years has revitalized the concept of civil preparedness and defense in the United States. During the State of the Union Address in 2002, President George W. Bush announced the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Citizen Corps, a component of the USA Freedom Corps initiative developed shortly after 9/11. Additionally, FEMA launched the "Are You Ready?" campaign to provide individuals, families, and communities with in-depth preparedness information and training, and the American Red Cross developed its own educational disaster preparedness program designed to coincide with the daily threat level. While the various programs include several common themes, including a special emphasis on disaster preparedness for children, they lack promotion, visibility, standardization, and coordination. Empowering children to lead change by teaching families and other citizens is one possible methodology to enhance visibility and inspire participation in such programs. This thesis examines the pros and cons of historical and current citizen preparedness campaigns and K-12 preparedness curricula, other countries' approaches to citizen preparedness, elements of successful preparedness programs, Homeland Security stakeholder benefits of preparedness programs for children, and potential arguments against the implementation of such programs. The author concludes the thesis with criteria for a successful K-12 civil preparedness curriculum.
Stone Soup : A Recipe for Building Resiliency Among Children
Abstract : Despite a decade of effort, we have seen limited success in increasing the personal preparedness of adults that is thought to create individual and community resiliency. Since inadequate preparation by adults can negatively affect children, preparedness education for children is now a priority. Unfortunately, the current resource-based model of preparedness presents a barrier to many children who have limited resources. This highlights the need to examine other approaches to achieving resiliency among children. This thesis argues that adaptive capacity may be more beneficial for increasing resilience among children, that adaptive capacity can be taught, and that schools are the best place for such education to occur. Lastly, it addresses the significant challenges related to responsibility for teaching and content.
The Structure of Morale
IN the speaking and writing on current problems of which there is to-day such an increasing spate, discussion of values of a non-material nature frequently introduces the use of the word ‘morale’. It is then employed in a loose, indefinite fashion to cover a diversity of meanings. A serious study of the whole subject by a writer of standing, qualifications and experience comes very apt to the moment.The Structure of MoraleBy Dr. J. T. MacCurdy. Pp. vii + 224. (Cambridge: At the University Press, 1943.) 8s 6d. net.