Teaching Controversial Topics Well

Description

• The workshop begins with stories and conversations about what was shared in the pre-facilitation survey in terms of the challenges teachers are dealing with,
• • what the most contentious topics are.
  • What has been the preparation to address these challenges?
  • What do the challenges look like in terms of where they come from and what is their impact?
  • Next, we frame an approach to education that supports teaching about controversial issues and the pressure not to teach about certain things.

• Teachers will identify the skills that students need to.
• What are some of the best strategies and tools for teaching about issues? Some examples will be shared, as well as some methods for dialogue and discussion. Break out groups with teachers working with similar grade levels to apply the concepts and approaches, and tools from the workshop.
• If there is time, there should be some discussion about what to do when students challenge what you are saying in class, when there are complaints after class, and other scenarios, such as public criticism in the community and on social media.
• Wrap up and learnings. Not an evaluation will give teachers a chance to share more in-depth feedback.