A healthy democracy needs to have open dialogues about issues of public concern that are
more than just sound bites. For this reason, CRFC sponsors workshops for middle and high
school social studies teachers classroom discussions and ways to assess them. The
sessions are designed to improve teachers’ ability to teach students to effectively participate
in small and large group discussion of controversial public issues. The workshops focus on
three models of discussion:
Structured Academic Controversy
Public Issues
Seminars
All of the models are designed to help a wide variety of students—including those who are
limited English proficient—reach a deeper understanding of controversial issues.
Discussions also help students to think more critically and develop their interpersonal skills.
Teachers in the workshops are active participants to insure that the sessions address the
needs of their students. Teachers interested in participating in the workshops should plan to
attend all four sessions and be willing to experiment with the models in between sessions
sharing their successes and frustrations with their colleagues. Preference is given to teams
of teachers from the same school or district.
There is a $100 registration fee which includes lessons, materials, and a handbook on how
to assess student progress. The next series of workshops will be held at our building, 407 S.
Dearborn on four Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.
January 31
February 14
February 28
March 14
For information on upcoming workshops, contact Carolyn Pereira at 312/663-9057
or via email at pereira@crfc.org
Last updated: January 2, 2002
Please forward all inquiries regarding the website to webmaster@crfc.org, or use the contact form. This website is provided courtesy of the Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago. Copyright 1998-2002.