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Recent events—the 2020 presidential election, movements for justice such as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo, and the politicization of traditionally nonpolitical issues—have forced educators to react hastily, at times haphazardly, to pressing questions raised by students, parents, and faculty. This three-day School Leader Institute is intended to provide a space in which educators can proactively identify their civic education goals so they are prepared to lead the charge for civic education in their schools and districts, and support students, teachers, and parents in these conversations.
From July 28 to July 30, 2021, educators will come together from across the country to explore questions such as: What kinds of citizens does our multicultural democracy need? How can our schools help create citizens able to engage and flourish in their communities? How can spaces for student civil discourse be expanded or strengthened to take up the complex challenges of the day, from racial justice to sustainability, with an eye to how multiple perspectives help the conversations? What types of guidance and support do our diverse faculty teams need to engage students with challenging social and political issues?
Participation in a Close Up program requires parent or guardian approval for any participants under 18 years of age.