#caedchat Archive
#caedchat is for California educators, by California educators. All are welcome as moderators and participants discuss issues that emerge in California education, which are generally applicable to other regions of the United States.
Sunday July 31, 2016
Welcome to where educators gather to share and collaborate! This week's topic is discussing politics in the classroom.
Thank you for joining tonight. will be moderating our discussion on politics in the classroom.
Rick Stevens, educational consultant. 25 years in K12 teacher & admin. Lots of thoughts re exploring politics in classroom
For the next hour my tweets are dedicated to . We're talking about politics in the classroom. Join us! :)
Let’s all take a moment to introduce ourselves. Where are you from? What do you teach?
Let’s all take a moment to introduce ourselves. Where are you from? What do you teach?
Hi Rick, always great to see you here.
A0: Jen/Upland 7th grade ELA teacher
Brad Baker Principal ready to share and learn!
Jessica from the Palm Springs area. 6th grade ELA, SS, and 6th-8th leadership/video production. Excited to be moderating tonight
Kriscia from Poway! In and out while we watch
Grad student in Portland.
Thanks for joining in the conversation tonight, Brad!
I am the President & CEO of , a virtual K-12 charter school! Big interest in , especially this cycle!
Jenny from Fullerton; 7th ELA/HSS Honors
I'm Danny from Oregon. MAT student trying to learn from some good minds!
Elaine from Mariposa Merced
Hi Jenny, thanks for joining in tonight.
I am the President & CEO of , a virtual K-12 charter school. Advise our newly formed Scholar Leadership Council!
Hi , Robert from Ventura County. I work with new teachers.
Hi Robert! Thanks for adding your perspective to tonight's discussion.
tip: Use TweetDeck and have two columns open for the chat; one for real time and one for where you are in the chat.
moderators will post a questions Q1, Q2, Q3. Participants respond with A1, A2, A3, etc.
Tip: To participate in the chat be sure to use the hashtag on every tweet.
Tip: To participate in the chat be sure to use the hashtag on every tweet.
Tip: To participate in the chat be sure to use the hashtag on every tweet.
Tip: To participate in the chat be sure to use the hashtag on every tweet.
-----------------> Q1 is ready, are you? Watch for
-> Q1 Does discussion of politics & related issues belong in the classroom? Should it be done formally, informally, or not at all?
Hello.
Education Consultant.
Teacher. Artist. Writer.
Daughter. WrongfullyImprisoned.
EduPolitics is worse than the Election.
A1: context. What is the point of bringing it up? just to rant or to engage is problem identification and solutions?
A1 ask yourself if it is specifically part of your standards. CYA and talk to your admin.
Politics should NOT exist in the classroom.Ts have 4 walls, Ss, & great instruction. Nothing else needed.
Q1: I mind the proviso that "I have no opinion on outside issues" and that includes politics. I present both sides if Ss ask.
A1: Politics & related info makes relevant. But it needs to be moderated so T does not take position; all S voices heard
Robert from Los Angeles joining in. Middle school English.
Q2 : Provide an environment where students feel safe to be themselves and understand we have differences
A-1. Politics should be taught, but in an unbiased basis.
John, agree that context matters big time.
A1 - politics should be discussed informally in class...but if you are having a polite, respectful, planned discussion - that's OK
Sorry missed the A1: you got me heated with that question.
Lisa, 5th grade, central coast, joining a bit late.
A1 Discussion of politics + related (social) issues should def be in the classroom; group convos reveal different perspectives
Sorry - Ryan, edtech coordinator in San Marcos, north of San Diego
A1 Part of me says informally, part of me says not.
I always tried to stay as politically neutral as possible in the classroom - and the teacher's lounge too!
A1: It is a point of pride with my that my Ss cannot determine where I stand politically.
The students are a captive audience, moldable, and a teacher should never impose their personal beliefs on the students.
A1 We live in a political world. History & politics are intertwined. But it should come up organically within the topic or text.
Definitely agree that teachers should be unbiased when explicitly teaching about politics.
A1. Politics should be an official topic for seniors. Government class should make it part of a weekly discussion.
-----------------> Q2 is up next. Watch for
A1 consider the age of the students. Unbiased discussion at some levels.
A1: if politics are a part of our world they need to be a part of the discussion-Formal/informal with purpose to let Ss decide.
A1 Yes, formally & informally with lots of T listening & guiding of discussion w/out T showing bias.
-----> Q2 What classroom culture conditions need to exist before we can meaningfully tackle charged discussion topics?
Im glad you added the teacher lounge. We often forget about that location. Oh and Hi Ryan!
I've seen it the other way around; Ts use their classroom as Speakers Corner, and I think that gives Ts a bad name.
A1 : I think it's OK to have discussion. Part US Gov, US History, & more. It's current events that warrant facilitated discussion.
Hi ! Todd, elem principal in CdM jumping in...esp. with this topic!
A2: Students need to feel SAFE or learning will NOT happen, period!
Yes, UNBIASED is the key here
A2: Ss need to feel safe and respected.
A2 - respect for each other and their opinions is the first place to start
I respond with an eight Clap U-C-L-A
it's Tough because we have our beliefs but the students don't have a choice on being there.
also If our goal is to create a safe learning environment, then we could be counterproductive.
A2 Mutual respect, decorum, & listening to understand must always be in place. Serious scholarship, not silliness & Ss rise up!
A2. Respect opinions, places and people. You might not agree but Ss and Ts have the right to their own opinion
A2: A culture and citizenship that has been poorly modeled by current politicians
A2: respectfully listening, trust in each other, a real sense of community where Ss feel comfortable sharing without being judged.
A2: Discussion protocols, culture of respect, and active listening to start...
A2 : Culture of respect. Respect of ideas & opinions for all those who choose to participate in the discussion.
A2 culture needs to encourage patience, an open mind, the right to disagree, and understanding that it's okay to change your mind
A2: Respect for truth, fairness, inquiry & empathy need to exist. Have a framework for brainstorming w/o judgment
Yes, feeling like they can share without judgement is important for Ss. Agree!
A2: A positive relationship with your students!
A1:Personal politics should stay out. However, there is a teaching moment about thoughts that differ than ours. Value Diversity
A2. Younger Ss need practice and support for academic discourse. Ts need skill in handling heated discussion well.
Could not agree more https://t.co/YCPV2GCoS0
A2 Mutual respect, decorum, & listening to understand must always be in place. Serious scholarship, not silliness & Ss rise up!
A1: Without question: how else will Ss learn necessary terms + concepts to understand basics or the ? Process + tactics.
It is telling that the USC slogans have no words longer than 5 letters.
There needs 2 b an outspoken & agreed upon terms of respect across class. Don't press fwd without that foundation
It's so you UCLA folks can read them... https://t.co/VtWdQNqdQe
It is telling that the USC slogans have no words longer than 5 letters.
Yes. Concrete strategies to diffuse tense discussion would be helpful.
A2 Respect & Trust. Practice listening & responding to differing opinions appropriately.
A2: Trust/Respect and a value for differing opinions. We attack the idea never the person.
A2: One where students feel safe and where are voices are heard.
A2: Students need to be taught how to join in a discussion like a scholar.
Q1: We should informally address that we have different biases and opinions that shape our reality.
Yes, Kriscia! A collaborative class community where belonging & camaraderie reign. https://t.co/ngio9LqI5P
A2: respectfully listening, trust in each other, a real sense of community where Ss feel comfortable sharing without being judged.
A1: yes. All the above. Where else are they going to learn about it?
DAAAAAAAAAAAANG. Harsh. but respected.
-----------------> Q3 is set. Watch for
-----> Q3 How are multiple viewpoints navigated (and accepted) during social interactions?
Check out for the question you asked about discussing politics in the classroom.
A2: If can't be formed -
11th + 12th, 🍎Ts need to choose Strategies that allow freedom of thought +expression + ideas.
Yes! The flexibility & freedom to rethink & change your mind is true critical thinking. https://t.co/KVnHLpRRUN
A2 culture needs to encourage patience, an open mind, the right to disagree, and understanding that it's okay to change your mind
A1: If we are a hard and fast NO, then I think we could miss potential teaching/learning opportunities
A2: Similar to how Ts change/modify Strategies for depending on Ss.
A3: When early agreed-upon safe norms are established everything will fall into place. Think
Hello Robert - great to "see" you again
A3 Guide the discussion towards a particular topic. Change it for the next set. Concentrate on one side of the issue at a time
Using the idea of third point takes the focus from the person to the idea! Great skill for Ss and Ts to learn.
Agree. We should be willing to tackle tougher topics with Ss. We just need to have a game plan when doing so.
Yikes Clint! You must have the "can't sleep" symptoms with the night before school
That has to be school wide, or no go. https://t.co/W7twvJxYFg
A2: Students need to be taught how to join in a discussion like a scholar.
iThink it's normal Ts have opinions. What's impt is Ss are allowed to form their own + express w/3Rs.
A3: It starts by demonstrating it...ensuring that Ss are not interrupted or berated by other Ss who have a differing opinion
A3: Essential skill to be practiced: Learn how to listen. Teach Ss to restate what someone has said w/o judgment
A3 Ss need to follow a protocol. build viewpoint with evidence. Read, not just TV or social media
A3 Multiple perspectives are empowering. All Ss add to the discussion & express opinions/insights backed by evidence & explanation
Absolutely! Start small with key phrases like, "I respectfully disagree, because..." or "If I could add on to..."
A3- when agreed upon norms of respect are established
totally Agree, Thanks for adding that part in!
Yes - teaching sentence starters is a good place to start...even with upper secondary students
A2: Mutual respect, appreciation for discourse, math practice #3: construct viable arguments & critique reasoning of others
Reason
Responsibility
Respect
I studied 18th Century America + 18th C Sociological Theorists.
Re Truth: Role of teacher is not to arbitrate what is right, but rather to teach inquiry and scholarship
A3 the standards ask multiple view points in argument genre. Practice speaking from the opposition
A3 : Facilitate the discussion based on norms set at beginning of year, or interaction. Model the norms & ensure buy-in.
Q3.. We should think about our expectations for oral communication and convey those in the early grades. Listening/Speaking
Yes! Setting context for disagreement...teaching tolerance means allowing others to have diff opinions. https://t.co/Xd4RrFgl28
Absolutely! Start small with key phrases like, "I respectfully disagree, because..." or "If I could add on to..."
I like the idea of asking students to speak from an opposing point of view.
If someone is going to storify this could you please @ me with the tweet? I have a colleague that would be very interested in it.
A3: I agree agreed upon norms are a must. Also having everyone hold each other accountable- not just the teacher
A3: Ss need a visual/practice of what Respectfully disagreement looks like: Its not name calling or shouting/talking louder
-----------------> Q4 is coming very soon. Look for tweet!
Great idea. Make them see the other side of the coin.
Agree. Very good point. Rhetroically taking the opposite point of view helps in history, politics and literature
-----> Q4 What are some concrete strategies to structure meaningful conversation, as opposed to ranting or diatribes?
A3: When you create an enviornment in your classroom of trust and have ss help create norms you can better accept all view points
Late tonight - Nora from Central Valley A2: A culture of respect
A3 using is a good starting point for respectfully navigating multiple perspectives
S's need to be taught to be audible and legible with their comments. Why should we listen to a mumble? 🤔🙂
can also help in solution finding and getting students to be creative in solutions.
I agree...having Ss take a side they disagree with means they have to see it through another's eyes! https://t.co/tCqRo0W51e
I like the idea of asking students to speak from an opposing point of view.
great idea and it helps students research differing ideas and it helps see both sides of the issue.
A7: Have students critique sample profiles and discuss why/why not the individual would get hired.
SO true. Basic LanguageArts concepts like the 3rdPerson narrative does help! W/SEL, too. https://t.co/gUlpMcTwro
Using the idea of third point takes the focus from the person to the idea! Great skill for Ss and Ts to learn.
A4: Think pair share, checking for understanding, Quality questioning, intentional lesson plans embedding all those.
A4: Start by having students establish their own norms for having a political convo...then hold them to it!
A4 Guiding questions help. Ss will be forced to think what to type. Not just random thoughts.
A4: present Qs a day before, give reading material. Students write a prepare for discussion paper.
I like this idea of student-led norms for political discussions. Great share!
And maybe exposure to the guiding questions before the start of the discussion itself? Points to ponder?
A4: DAE think that Socratic Seminars could help? Ss must take care to really listen and hold the floor 1 at a time.
This is why I wish debate was a req for all Ss.
A4 sentence frames, protocols, norms. Start with a text or video. Define the sand box, what's in, what's out of bounds.
Using a fishbowl discussion as a jumping off point is a great idea!
A4: Use "brainstorm rules:" During brainstorming, opinions are stated and recorded, but never argued. T moderates.
A4 : Consider a class debate; pro/con set-up. Time-limits, etc.
It's interesting that you mentioned Math. So much of logic + reasoning skills are built on Mathematical Concepts.
A4 Ts must start with issues & ideas that are profound & relevant. Opinions empower, so personally invite reluctant Ss to join in.
A4 hand out playing cards. Pick several card from another deck. Each student with a matching card gives opinion.?
A4: before anything goes verbal-Pose Q and then students anonymously respond on note card: Attack the IDEA not the person
Debate = great for all Ss! More and more Ts at my site are planning debates in class.
A4b: Have Ss watch a political debate...what did they like? Not like? Why? How would they like to be treated if in this situation?
A4 sorry misread question!,, 😁
That's great! Good for them. That takes commitment.
Yes, because all voices need to be heard.
Love strategies, gets to the root of action : -----> Q4
This sentence frame is powerful guide. I just LOVE the focus on having Ss provide EVIDENCE.
When we introduce this at our site, we don't let the Ss choose sides...we choose it for them! https://t.co/6MD3Pnnb4r
Debate = great for all Ss! More and more Ts at my site are planning debates in class.
Agreed, Jack! Articulation & eloquence must be modeled, taught, practiced, & specifically praised. https://t.co/xyHBcN0Bv1
S's need to be taught to be audible and legible with their comments. Why should we listen to a mumble? 🤔🙂
A4:teach it as a digital citizenship lesson &have them fact check issues on both sides. Snopes/factcheck.org/politifact.org
Blueprints of a structured argument + examples of citations. Particularly with essays.
A4: a discussion web. Plot contributors to ensure all have a chance to share their voice.
Hey Quick question...This election cycle is a bit different than others so how on earth do you talk about it at all? I mean,at all
yes excellent but assumes structure
Great idea! There are plenty of adults out there who do not know how to fact check.
A4: Ss must discuss/defend the Opossing side before making arguments or comments for what they agree with
I think that's a great idea & helps set-up a structure for scholar debates based on what they did & did not like.
It's great for all students but would be especially useful for EL students.
math practice #3 is all that. Want to win at arguments civilly with facts. SMP3. :-).
I like this idea! RockStar https://t.co/ndu9bwKPmg
A4:teach it as a digital citizenship lesson &have them fact check issues on both sides. Snopes/factcheck.org/politifact.org
-----------------> Q5 is up next. Look for tweet!
-----> Q5 What are some concrete strategies to diffuse tensions if discussion becomes too intense?
A5: Students write down thoughts anonymously to create questions based on their responses to share with class
Talk about real life experiences!!!
Helps teach the idea that everything read online may not necessarily be true! Reminds me of https://t.co/0N3qihId4E
A4: At high school provide model resources that explore both side of controversial issues. https://t.co/9fmn4AYlM5 does this well
A4: "Fact Check yo' self, before you wreck yo' self! Cause sharing posts & memes that are lies is bad for your health" - Ice Cube
A5: Quick break..followed by positive take aways,what did we learn? How can we take opposing views and share 2 positive?
A4: offers a wealth of collaborative listening activities build community and and collaborative learning.
I had some luck with teaching Ss empathy for the feelings children of immigrants have by using myself as example.
A6 : Ensure the facilitator aways has control of discussion flow. Move items to the parking lot, reminder of agreed-upon norms, etc
A5: Talking about it after class is key...DO NOT take it to social media or texts...it only makes the situation worse.
Q5 A way to diffuse tensions in a class discussion is to move to writing. Let's all refine our opinions & write clear arguments.
A5 Pause discussion, ask a third party to say who they agree with and why, find other who disagrees and say why. Multiple views.
A5: Sometimes Ss have tough Qs. Acknowledge toughness of issue & validate scholarly approach to understanding multiple viewpoints.
A5: If political, then expect this. Plan that things are going to get charged and start with norms that address this.
Interesting comment. I don't think most Ss know even the Electoral Process regardless of Passport.
A5: Write it down, get it out!
I know what kind of conversations that we've had to have at home & I'm honestly curious how this happens at school
Great evidence/text-based sentence starters, Jennifer! Ss automatically sound more scholarly. https://t.co/pffxuw533l
A5 ask students to paraphrase each other summarize. Use evidence over emotion.
A5: Quick breaks help diffuse tensions. Quiet quick writes. Have short videos downloaded. Pose question; use anon polling software
A1: Ask students how to bridge gaps among political differences. How do we become more considerate?
From whole class to personal view. Big to small. Great idea.
What happens when there is parent pushback resulting from political discusions in class?
A5: a timer, brain break, one minute of silence to gather thoughts
Thanks Jessica. I'm jumping in late and will review later.
A5 require purposeful wait time to allow thoughts to settle.
---------------------> Prepare for Q6 from
-----> Q6 Should teachers remain nonpartisan in front of students? If so, how can we answer tough questions when students ask?
Breaks like that to refocus Ss Attn + Energies are FANtastic 💡s. It also puts focus back on Curriculum + Learning Goals.
A5: Passion, evidence and understanding your opposition are the basis for an amazing persuasive essay. What comes after the debate
Being honest, respectful to both sides, and encourage understanding of other's views without revealing my own.
A5: Breaks T support for Ss struggling.FOLLOW Agreed upon norms Allow for Ss to anaylze why someone would think a certain way.
A6: YES! Absolutely! I usually preface everything with, "Some Americans think..." and "Other Americans think..."
A5: Have Ss use "I feel..." messages. Takes away the hostile situations &antagonism of "You people/liberals/dems/repubs /etc."
A6: Ts NEED to keep their personal political and religious beliefs out of class...we are not there to preach a side
A BIT different? I can't recall ANY election where Candidates' Children's Ethics are questioned.
A6: Context, what was the point of having the debate. Empathy, making decisions, finding holes in arguments, taking a stand.
Absolutely agree. Our personal viewpoints should be a total mystery to Ss.
And this is the point where I'm happy that I don't have an actual class because I can't be respectful of racism
A6: yes, skillfully scaffold ideas with intentional questions that build on deeper student understanding.
A6 : I prefer to model the way. Share my opinion, share the why, & ensure a setting of respect for others to participate & engage.
Agree. My job to present all sides of the issue so Ss can go home and continue disc. w/family and decide on their own.
A6 Absolutely! As for how, by being the most eloquent rhetoricians we can be. https://t.co/otdegCYeOi
-----> Q6 Should teachers remain nonpartisan in front of students? If so, how can we answer tough questions when students ask?
YES! We model what it means to consider and present all sides whether we agree or not! https://t.co/5vPFVXcRIP
Agree. My job to present all sides of the issue so Ss can go home and continue disc. w/family and decide on their own.
A6: teachers should stay neutral and allow Ss to share their sides. Facilitate learning and not your personal opinion
Encouraging family discussion is a good idea.
Yes, Ts should remain nonpartisan with Ss in terms of controversial topics, but encourage inquiry, enforce civility
A6: Not sure. I am not into politics..I get intimidated so I keep my thoughts under cover..but I am curious to what other Ts say
You'll have to share w/your how this goes!
A6: again I believe it goes back to creating safe, healthy environments for all students.
Like your reference to "scaffolding." It is essential to developing deeper inquiry
A1: Might as well tell your students your home address while you discuss your political affiliation.
A6 Ts should stay neutral. Argument is great because Ss must provide a counterclaim & rebuttal, wh/ forces them to see both sides.
--------------------> will be sending out Q7 soon.
A6 Let Ss make their own mind. Share your opinion at end of lesson. They know you have your own opinion. Nothing wrong with that
-----> Q7 How can we build responsible social media skills in our students to help them discuss responsibly online?
Eloquently said, my friend!
It shows you are human as well
So sad & true...why it is so vital to teach our kiddos that ...use it as teachable moments! https://t.co/Mc4H5PaWzK
it's going to be a long semester --you know the hate speech being heard will be everywhere
A7: Model, model, model, work together, let them try!
A7: Model responsible social media posting oneself; Common Sense media lessons too.
A6 Ts need to encourage Ss to fact check, research, & develop an opinion. They need to back up their beliefs w/ information
A7: model in class with connected & unconnected social media activities. post-its of discussions the day after tells a diff story.
A7: Consistently come back to reminder mini lessons about social media etiquette and digital footprint concept.
A1 : We had a program for undergrads at from on social media dos & donts. Should start in earlier grades.
A7: reinforce the digital citizenship taught throughout the year.
I need to leave this chat.
Give Ss "dinner table discussions" HW where Ss practice facilitating civil convos with family &report back https://t.co/Dp3psawJzT
Encouraging family discussion is a good idea.
A7 : We had a program for undergrads at from on social media dos & donts. Should start in earlier grades.
A7: teach digital citizenship by looking at some carefully curated Twitter "discussions", then fact check like a mofo & debrief
A7quality digital citizenship instruction,emphasize the permanent digital footprint Ss create when they post anything digitally
A7 Teach concepts of respect through all mediums. Does not matter if you are 1 meter or 10 km away.
After r summer break, is back & stronger than ever! Join in the convo Tuesday 8/2 at 7pm PST https://t.co/B4Ws2SCzW5
A7 we can teach the kids social media when Ts use email and social media professionally I have seen some poor posts from staff
Yes, provide great digital citizenship framework & lessons
--------------------> Q8 coming soon from
I think it matters more when 10 km away. Harder to establish a shared culture without shared space.
-----> Q8 Share any resources you have to cultivating meaningful discussion and/or discussing politics in the classroom.
Yes , be consistent and review often!
A7 I focus on face to face constructive, courteous discussions. Kids need social skills thru modeling, not more social media.
Sounds like a bad physical.
A7: Scaffold/Practice-try "tweets" on paper on walls first and analyze ways it works and demonstrate how privacy is not there
I couldn't agree more! We have to continue to model the way & show what professionalism looks like.
A7: follow Donald Trumps Twitter & DO THE EXACT OPPOSITE
A8: Common Sense. Just ask yourself...What is the point of bringing up the topic?
A8 StudySync from actually traces this through Blasts, in class tool like a tweet
A8: Model what we want them to learn, work together, let them give it a go!! Repeat!
A8: TED talks. EdWeek, (was listencurrent)
Great idea! Paper tweets. How to test ideas without publishing to the world.
leave up and revisit the next day (or with another class) to see how things look out of context.
I like the paper tweets idea. My Ss practice commenting on blogs w/ paper first.
Feel free to use the hashtag all week long to share resources, ideas, and blog posts.
Feel free to use the hashtag all week long to share resources, ideas, and blog posts.
Good night Bruins, and Trojans🏈fun to see some old friends.
I've been listening tonight.I have great concern that the ugliness that is our current political climate will enterour classrooms
Thanks, everyone, for joining tonight's discussion! You brought some great ideas to the table. :)
Great learning with you all! Have a great week, remember to keep it positive!
