It is a vital time for schools to engage—or reengage—in civil discourse.
How can we create school communities that are open to diverse perspectives? How can we ensure faculty can navigate difficult conversations fairly and effectively? How can schools provide students with meaningful opportunities to communicate, deliberate, and actively listen to each other?
Here at Close Up, we know that the political world is and can be a curriculum, and that civil discussion of current public policy issues can help students build durable skills and better understand the world around them. Launched in 2024, our multi-day Civil Discourse Lab for Educators translates our 50+ years of experience in interactive civic education into practices that are accessible and useful for students, classroom teachers, and educators nationwide.
“Thanks for a fantastic PD! Truly one of the best I’ve been to in recent years!”
– Amanda, 2024 Civil Discourse Lab Participant
