#sschat is a network of educators, resources, and ideas that started on Twitter, but has expanded to Facebook, an annual NCSS unconference, and more. Join us to chat asynchronously on Twitter or Facebook, or chat with us live on Mondays from 7-8pm EST.
For the sake of @Twitter etiquette ... We welcome differing points of view, but want to keep it positive & productive in our #sschat forum. As we would expect from our own students, sometimes we have to agreeably disagree!
Happy New Year #sschat. This is Bill Chapman, a retired secondary social studies teacher, checking in from Berkeley, CA - home of the #FreeSpeech Movement.
Chris from Bloomington, IN. Teach world history for private online HS affiliated w/ Indiana University. Hard to pick favorite part of #1stAmendment. #sschat
Tyler from MI, APUSH, APWH, APHG and teacher education. I like all parts of the first amendment, especially teaching the ideas and freedoms within as they apply globally. Going to do my best with all of these hashtags #FreeSpeech#ReligiousFreedom#FreePress#Assembly#sschat
Brent SS teacher in Magrath AB Canada and the deep freeze is finally letting up. While I am Canadian our Charter provides many of the same protections and I would say #Assembly#sschat
Hey gang! I'm Michael - one of the #sschat co-moderators! I teach World & US History in MA. My favorite part of the first amendment...well, it is a rather short one and I kinda dig all of it.
Hey gang! I'm Michael - one of the #sschat co-moderators! I teach World & US History in MA. My favorite part of the first amendment...well, it is a rather short one and I kinda dig all of it.
Hi all. High school SS dept chair from western suburbs of Chicago. Also looking for successful lesson plans / resources you've seen or employed using children's books. #sschat
I teach 8th grade middle U.S. history in Central Pennsylvania, and I've read too much Jefferson over the years to not be fully on the #FreeReligion bandwagon! #sschat#Jan1stAm
Hey everyone! Kirstyn from Florida; I teach APUSH, On-Level/Hon US History. Favorite part of the 1st Amendment is how it is constantly defined throughout American History #freepress#freespeech#sschat
A1) I've had Ss question the legality of learning about religion in world history. I am careful to point out difference between learning about & conversion/proselytization. #sschat
A1- I'm comfortable with limitations on teacher freedom of speech. If handled well, a discussion about such differences/limitations can be a great convo with kids about professional responsibility, code switching in our lives given different environments & more. #sschat
A1: Classroom it is tough, teaching history and social studies. With the media and...politicians...it has become a tough atmosphere and teachers can be accused for "influencing opinions." I had to prep a letter with AP curric and ACLU lang on why I teach world religions #sschat
A1. Think we need to be careful... We are not in a role that we should be indoctrinating... Rather, students should learn how to develop their own opinions and principles based on fact. We are not necessarily in a position where we need to be broadcasting our beliefs. #sschat
A1) I've had Ss question the legality of learning about religion in world history. I am careful to point out difference between learning about & conversion/proselytization. #sschat
A1: I would say that we are limited, but it is to an appropriate degree because we want to teach students to think for themselves. If we just tell them all of OUR beliefs we are not helping them be the best versions of themselves, we are helping them be clones of us. #sschat
When I am asked my opinion on a sensitive issue by my Ss, I give it, but I always follow by saying âthatâs my opinion, it doesnât have to be yours.â #sschat
A1 I wouldnât say itâs less or even limited but I do feel we have a professional obligations be more mindful of what we say and presenting a balanced worldview #sschat
Yes, that is a real fear of some of students/parents. Huge difference, but one that some have a difficulty understanding. It's important for kids to understand the different beliefs of the people of the world. đ #sschat
A1) I've had Ss question the legality of learning about religion in world history. I am careful to point out difference between learning about & conversion/proselytization. #sschat
A1 - #sschat. Teachers must walk a fine line and straddle the fence, so to speak, in providing students with both POVs and the facts to help them make their own decisions and develop their own opinions.
Interesting example here for Q1. Shawnee Mission School District policy on safety pins roundly criticized at crowded school board meeting https://t.co/B5uKmL9L5f#sschat
Yes! Important to present objective facts... Religion is such an important part of the development of Western Civ... Can't leave it out just bc it's religion.... #sschat
A1: I don't think we have less #freespeech, but when covering politics, I'm careful with what I say. I have the right to it, but I want my kids to make their own political decisions, not based on any influence from my political ideologies. #sschat
Sorry I disagree, we gave the ability to teach Ss how to make there own decisions. This is a vital skill we can model for them. Respect Ss to make up their own mind #sschat
A1. Think we need to be careful... We are not in a role that we should be indoctrinating... Rather, students should learn how to develop their own opinions and principles based on fact. We are not necessarily in a position where we need to be broadcasting our beliefs. #sschat
A1: I don't think it's a freedom of speech issue but I am always wary of speaking my own political views. If I do I always mention the other side as well and never belittle people for their beliefs. I try to model what I want to see in public discourse. #sschat
A1) I've had Ss question the legality of learning about religion in world history. I am careful to point out difference between learning about & conversion/proselytization. #sschat
A1: I don't think it's a freedom of speech issue but I am always wary of speaking my own political views. If I do I always mention the other side as well and never belittle people for their beliefs. I try to model what I want to see in public discourse. #sschat
A2: As far as I know there are no specifically proscribed elements of free speech at our school, besides racial slurs, threats of violence, or physical attacks (which are not speech anyway). #sschat
True, but there are many non-controversial things about which to talk, even in SS classes. #FirstAmendment issues only arise in very limited areas and circumstances. #sschat
A2: our school does discourage cursing, encourages the Pledge, and has a student dress code which discourages inappropriate messages on items of clothing #sschat
A2) I teach in a totally online setting. Ask Ss to be respectful and will request they keep their language relatively PG if it starts to get out of hand (this is written text). #sschat
It depends on the history content, I suppose, but discussing the historical suppression of #FirstAmentment rights would be what I would consider modeling. #sschat
Check out this Massachusetts state law re: Pledge of Allegiance, which as far as I know is *never enforced* or else I would have to pay hundred$ in fines #sschat
It is probable that you, @mrfieldmanchs, meant to say âmake [their] own decisionsâ instead. âThereâ doesn't belong to âthemâ; âtheirâ does.
A2 work in a private school and the students have to wear a collared shirt. When I discuss the 1st amendment students bringup the dress code. Then I say that this is a private instution not a public school. It helps the students realize that the BoR only applies to govt. #sschat
I don't believe that I ever taught in a school, public or private, that had students recite the Pledge. However, as a K-12 student in the 1950s and 60s, it was a daily ritual. #sschat
Check out this Massachusetts state law re: Pledge of Allegiance, which as far as I know is *never enforced* or else I would have to pay hundred$ in fines #sschat
A2- I think education sometimes fails our students when it comes to dress code. It's possible schools over-police under the premise of legally allowed limitations of 1stA freedom of speech (and inferred expression). Often comes at the expense of sexist or shaming policies #sschat
Take a look at one school's efforts to reform dress code policy as to not blame women for consequences of inappropriate and/or awful behavior of peers. Link follows. #sschat
Sure. But if Iâm teaching ancient Egypt, if someone asked about a pharaohâs power and we get into elected official v appointed dictator, I might use a contemporary anecdote. Itâs relevant and itâs not BEYOND the boundaries of course... #sschat
That is really interesting. My daughter (6th gr) told me that she kneels for Pledge. I asked why and she gave me what I considered a good reason clearly articulated. Is it a point of discussion at all? #sschat
I am presenting on the use of Twitter as a PLN. I need some help. What are your favorite #âs? I am looking for general ones like #122edchat or content specific like #sschat.
A2: We follow the Code of Conduct for the county, it includes the rules for dress code, professionalism, etc. We have grade level assesmblies in the beginning of the year to highlight the expectations #sschat
Yes, I used to teach that part when I was teaching religion in USH classes. Now I use the history of the physical gestures kids used to use with the pledge! #sschat
A3: Living in a small community that is predominately Mormon in an area that is the same the religion topics come up and I would allow for discussion on any religion but others do not come up much #sschat
A3: Personally, I want my Ss to be able to practice their religion on campus or feel safe believing what they want, unless it disrupts learning or interferes with traffic. Thatâs the general statement, will break it down shortly. #sschat
There were some protests (peaceful) at my son's middle school last year led by young women who felt the dress code was more focused on what they wore. Think policies were clarified as result. Led to some good chats w/ my son. #sschat
A2- I think education sometimes fails our students when it comes to dress code. It's possible schools over-police under the premise of legally allowed limitations of 1stA freedom of speech (and inferred expression). Often comes at the expense of sexist or shaming policies #sschat
A3 #sschat I agree with @Chucktaft - Religion in any form but not proselytizing. We have a local school that teaches the Bible as literature. Also, many schools have religious clubs that meeting before school.
A3: Religion will always be a hot topic in our country. I think it is important o teach students about the diff religions, but that doesn't mean I'd be persuading them to believe a certain religion (or not believe in any religion) #sschat
Technically we are supposed to cover religion in thr USA during 11th grade but we got away from doing it...couldnât find a good way to teach it and district never got after us. #sschat
A3: When I taught behind bars, several students told me as I was leaving they converted to Islam to get out of class for PM prayers. But I could never stop them from it, nor would I want to institute a litmus test like that #ReligiousFreedom#sschat
A3: I think religion should be recognized in the classroom, as it pertains to the lesson. In US History, we discuss a variety of religions because of the 1/2nd Great Awakening, Supreme Court Cases, etc. It should be unbiased and coverage should be equal, though #sschat
A3 I teach world religions as social science in Vt (the least religious state in the nation!). Some Ts put up Xmas trees & menorahs. We have a xtian after school club run entirely by ss. I do not decorate. Did have ss make Tibetan âprayerâ flags once but wonât again. #sschat
A3: As I teach in a Catholic Middle school I was nervous at first teaching other religions but in 5 years I have never had an issue. I espically like it when students draw connections from other religions to their own #sschat
A3 Pt 2 It is also vital to have representation of different religions, cultures & orientations in literature, & examples in class so Ss can see themselves in all aspects #sschat
A3: As I teach in a Catholic Middle school I was nervous at first teaching other religions but in 5 years I have never had an issue. I espically like it when students draw connections from other religions to their own #sschat
Totally agree, although TBF there is less documented history on some groups than others in US history. Example: little or no Islam in America before 1865, and no Mormonism anywhere before 1828. #sschat
A3: It should always be teach 'about' religion and never 'preach' or 'promote' a particular faith. Avoid reenacting ritual as teaching tool, but students are allowed to pray. #sschat
A3: As history teachers, we want our students to empathize with other cultures. Faith is a vital part of many of the various cultures. I'd say as crossing the line would be when you overtly proclaim one culture as superior to the other, and not giving Ss a fair choice. #sschat
A3 I teach 7th world history, so religion is part of tbe curriculum. Funny, nobody questions when we study Egyptian gods and goddesses. And we do use religious texts in class. #sschat
A4 #FreePress may guarantee the right to print whatever one wants, true or not, but #FreeSpeech guarantees the right of individuals/organizations to point out problems in reporting. #sschat
A4- Treat what we view as credible and reliable sources with the same kind of critical skepticism that we treat other #freepress. Even our most storied and reputable news sources get it wrong sometimes. Best we train students to carefully think about every source. #sschat
A4: Teach them the historical skills of sourcing and considering POV. Also teach them to corroborate many different documents (or news stories) #sschat
Donât disagree that itâs important, itâs just not something we ever felt like we had to teach or were especially interested in. No standardized tests for USH anymore, so we decided not to pursue it much. Thanks for th reference to Linda! #sschat
Exactly. The culture unit in APHG is my favorite, hits religion, pop/folk culture, traditions, language, everything! I had my class practicing Jamaican Patois! #sschat
A3 we strictly teach the history of religions for our 7th grade...I try to stress the importance of respecting everyone's beliefs and avoid religious debate #sschat
A4: I think the best way for us to teach a balance in the view of free press vs. fake news stems to one of our essential skills of determining if a source is reliable. Guiding students through that process will be an essential skill to help them balance this task. #sschat
But, news manufactured and disseminated with the intent to propagandize with lies is fake. POV is irrelevant when one intentionally makes stuff up. #sschat
A4: Teach your students how to look at the news. Give them the tools. Then it doesn't matter if they are presented with fake things they can determine its worth #noticeandnote#disruptingthinking#sschat
A4 I spent the first few weeks of school going over bias and perspective & agenda. How to compare different sources to find the truth in between #sschat
When I taught world history at my previous school district, we realized the kids needed to have an idea of what the major world religions were and what they believed. They had almost no prior knowledge. Almost all students really appreciated it. #sschat
A4 I'm still finding my way on this one. Students have to be able to decipher what is real and what is fake news. Teach them to understand bias and how it pertains to each news outlet #sschat
Free press is such an important part of our culture. As educators, it is our duty to teach Ss to spot fake news and unbiased news sources while trying to find real details #sschat
A4: Teach your students how to look at the news. Give them the tools. Then it doesn't matter if they are presented with fake things they can determine its worth #noticeandnote#disruptingthinking#sschat
Right and I think that as teachers we need to discuss the importance of sources and examining bias (and outright fabrication). I just don't like that the lack of nuance with the term 'fake news' #sschat
A4 Democracy cannot survive without a free flow of information. That being said, have students determine reliability of sources (after criteria taught of course). #sschat
#sschat Couldn't agree more. Religion is such a part of history and lessons on geography, too. How can you teach about a country without talking about the faiths of the people who live there?
I just canât imagine USH without religion. Itâs so central to understanding this country. I have a rel stud PhD though so I generally think historians need to cover religion more
A4 - #sschat. I dislike the term #fakenews, but when news is sensationalized it is often fake, which is unfortunate. Teaching students to watch different versions and form their own POV is the key.
You are so right! We do not need to be the Ben Stein teacher from Ferris Bueller. We need to promote critical thinking skills and help demonstrate to students the impact of the past on modern day and how it can affect our future as well. #sschat
A4: Teach them how to spot fake news. Itâs actually not as hard as some Ss think. And I agree that news that you disagree with is not fake news, but there is stuff that is utterly fictional being touted as news. #sschat
Especially considering how it relates to transitions and cultural assimilation/immersion. So many laws on immigration than many people blame religion for. #sschat
Iâm with you. However...My colleagues donât want to teach it, my DO isnât especially interested in us teaching it, the Ss will never be held accountable for it, and we canât do justice to it. This is where we are at. #sschat
"OK - we're going on a safari - on the search for 'fake news' in the wild! Go on the internet and seek, tag, and bring back so we can discuss! Sadly, we'll be releasing the stories back into the wild." #sschat
A4. Important Ss use a critical lens to examine all texts (not just media) - ask critical reading Qs: who wrote it? What do they want us to believe about the world? Whose voices are missing or marginalized? Etc. #sschat
The thing I love about fake historical quotes is how they usually show a deep misunderstanding of what the person's writing actually sounded like. (h/t @KevinMKruse)
They may not be held accountable for it on standardized tests, but as adult citizens, they need to be prepared to deal with the controversies surrounding it. #sschat
In reply to
@teachermike72, @stephaniesleep, @Lindakwert
I guess what Iâm wondering is whether there are any records of mosques existing in the US before 1865. Not that there was NO Islam or no Muslims, just where they met and how the faith was manifested. #sschat
A4 this is my 1st year teaching gov and Iâve really focused on the role of a free press in a democracy - been incorporating into other courses as well. What does it look like without one? How do we support a free and effective press with our news consumption? #sschat
A5: Canadian but I designed a project for Teaching the Charter of Rights and Freedoms with my students utilizing picture books and authentic writing activities. #sschat
Many states do require learning about the world religions as part of history. But I know if it's not on a standardized test, that can be an issue. #sschat
The thing I love about fake historical quotes is how they usually show a deep misunderstanding of what the person's writing actually sounded like. (h/t @KevinMKruse)
A4: I tell students to read/watch news from multiple new sources to see how the same stories are covered. If a story is flat out wrong, I'll correct it, but otherwise, students can learn how to figure out how political biases impact news organizations #sschat
Classroom assessment could make them accountable. Renaissance isnât on our state assessment, but I donât skip that because it doesnât appear on the test. Even an overview of the five major world religions the students would benefit highly, especially if going to college #sschat
In reply to
@teachermike72, @stephaniesleep, @Lindakwert
Especially considering how it relates to transitions and cultural assimilation/immersion. So many laws on immigration than many people blame religion for. #sschat
I can suggest it, but my sense is that my district and my administration just doesnât want to go there. At least not in a distinctive unit on religions in 11th grade. #sschat
Question for all of you. A stu asked why Ts get in trouble if they post inappropriate things on facebook etc if whe have freedom of speech. How would you explain this? #sschat
A4: I have to shout out @MrRoughton here. He had a great idea when teaching the sedition act to have students write complaints to the principal and then the teacher censors their letters in front of the class. Great example of what might happen without the 1st amendment #sschat
Teaching about religion has many benefits. 1) Improves religious literacy skills. 2) Can reduce bullying based on religion particularly if lessons include discussion of stereotypes. 3) It's simply part of being a globally educated citizen. #sschat
In reply to
@MissWinegar, @classroomtools, @teachermike72, @stephaniesleep
Awesome question & a great research lesson. In truth, I wouldn't respond. I would encourage research - what does "freedom of speech" mean? What does my "teaching contract" say? Let the students debate. Could be awesome #sschat
Question for all of you. A stu asked why Ts get in trouble if they post inappropriate things on facebook etc if whe have freedom of speech. How would you explain this? #sschat
Well, in CA they got rid of the STAR test, so we arenât going to be tested on it at all. The teachers in my district just donât feel comfortable teaching religion, they donât know much about it, and our district has not ever pushed the point. #sschat
She spoke at last year's @NCSSNetwork conference. She was my favorite speaker there. She reminded me how she was both an all-star and yet just an everyday American doing her duty #sschat
Always try to explain Freedom Of Speech does not mean you can say anything any time. That said, we could have a discourse over why would a Ts be in trouble over that #sschat
Question for all of you. A stu asked why Ts get in trouble if they post inappropriate things on facebook etc if whe have freedom of speech. How would you explain this? #sschat
A1: Honestly I think these restrictions are based in common sense and are designed to protect students. I don't really have a problem with them. #sschat#Jan1stAm
She spoke at last year's @NCSSNetwork conference. She was my favorite speaker there. She reminded me how she was both an all-star and yet just an everyday American doing her duty #sschat
I believe the 5 world religions are covered in 9th grade, and at know our teachers teach them at that level. We just donât especially emphasize it in 11th grade. #sschat
In reply to
@GeorgeHistory, @stephaniesleep, @Lindakwert
I think there would be several news stories related to this happening to Ts and people in other professions that could be shared and analyzed to expose similarities and differences. #sschat
Q6: What things have #students in your area used as #Petition / #Assembly to redress their grievances (or wish they protested)? Should teachers join in if they agree? #sschat#Jan1stAm
A1: Honestly I think these restrictions are based in common sense and are designed to protect students. I don't really have a problem with them. #sschat#Jan1stAm
Do you feel like you can do it justice in those units? There is a lot to think about when you plan to teach religious history...have to manage time etc. #sschat
This is 100% great question. Just my humble opinion, but I'd say that there's a higher standard expected of us, and that we're not to be in the muck throwing it around at people. #TeachersNeedtoBeBetter? #sschat
Question for all of you. A stu asked why Ts get in trouble if they post inappropriate things on facebook etc if whe have freedom of speech. How would you explain this? #sschat
Really appreciate this thoughtful discussion. Understand completely why teachers are worried about teaching it and agree with @Lindakwert and @classroomtools that we kids who understand humanity. #sschat
In reply to
@Lindakwert, @MissWinegar, @classroomtools, @teachermike72, @stephaniesleep, @Lindakwert, @classroomtools
I don't see us necessarily having less rights, but we do have to keep the safety of our students in mind, as well as being mindful of what constitutes indoctrination etc. Might just be my framing, though. #sschat
I love enaging students in discussions over the first amendment and its intention to protect you from the government - not from social consequences. What is considered "protected"? #sschat
A2: We do have a dress code and encourage students not to curse. They don't get in trouble unless the cursing is done in a disrespectful/disruptive way. These restrictions are designed to promote a positive learning environment so I'm on board. #sschat#Jan1stAm
That's hard to answer in a tweet! Supreme Court treats schools differently as places for learning & safety for children, most clearly in the Hazelwood v Kuhlmeier case, that admin can limit speech if it causes "disruption" to education #sschat#GrayArea
Q5: I always teach students that Freedom of Speech also involves Freedom to Sound Like an Idiot, and I'd much rather the evilness of society be on display in public than behind closed doors #sschat
A6) The aforementioned dress code protest at my son's MS. In a previous job, some Ss went to protests regarding proposed immigration legislation under George W. Bush. #sschat
A5: I like highlighting the colonists grievances, prior to the American Revolution, and how their insecurities/paranoia impacted the Bill of Rights, especially the first amendment #sschat
I can put you in touch with my district...I would certainly be willing to listen/read, but I canât teach something that the rest of my USH teaching colleagues arenât also teaching â we all have to be aligned in terms of content. #sschat
In reply to
@Lindakwert, @stephaniesleep, @bpmarcus, @NewseumReligion
A5 Divide Ss into jury sized groups, give them this situation, have each jury report its verdict, then see if you can reach a class consensus verdict. https://t.co/HcCqLYP7jr#sschat
