Civic Learning Award: John Burroughs High School

John Burroughs High School

Burbank Unified School District
County of: Los Angeles
Civic Learning Award of: Merit
Recognized for: Junior State of America

School Website

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Highlight: John Burroughs High School showcases how Junior State of America delivers high quality civic education.

Civic Learning Description

John Burroughs High School in Los Angeles has faced tough budget choices, yet their Junior State of America (JSA) Chapter has survived and thrived as an extra-curricular club. JSA is a national organization that promotes nonpartisan civic discourse by action and education. Students create and enforce their chapter constitution, twice a week students participate in discussions and debates on current and past issues, and club members also attend statewide and regional conventions where participate in simulations of government processes. Using the education and skills Burroughs JSA students have learned, they attend school board and city council meeting to bring the voice of the city's youth.

Research-Based Civic Education Practices

This school demonstrates the following research-based best practices in civic education. For more information on research-based best practices, visit the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools website.

• Discuss current local, national and international issues and events in the classroom, particularly those that young people view as important to their lives.
• Conduct community service that is linked to the formal curriculum and classroom (Service-learning)
• Offer extracurricular activities that provide opportunities for young people to get involved in their schools or communities.
• Encourage student participation in school governance.
• Encourage students’ participation in simulations of democratic process and procedures such as voting, trials, legislative deliberation, and diplomacy.

Contact Information

David Knatcal
1920 Clark Avenue
Burbank, California 91506
818-826-1075