Tag Archives: Engagement

Why Should I Teach Controversial Subjects in the Classroom?

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Where does Bend La Pine stand on teaching controversial subjects? 

Are you covered?

One-in-four teachers reported being told by school officials to limit their speech about race or racism (Rand Corporation, 2022). The following post takes us through Bend La Pine’s commitment to critical thinking and protecting your work as a educator.

Why should I teach topics that are controversial subjects in my classroom? 

  • Because I align my teaching to state and district standards.
  • Because I believe in teaching my students to think critically.
  • Because I am interested in and value the perspectives of all demographic groups.
  • Are you an ally?
  • Are you an abolitionist? 

Does Bend La Pine support teaching controversial subjects? 

  • Yes, when the lesson align teaching with State and District standards
    • All core subject areas have standards that address argumentation and critical thinking.  Sample 
  • Yes, if your material selection is in scope with the following Board policy on materials/resource selection in your classroom.
  • Additionally Bend La Pine has take this Equity Stance
    • Bend La Pine “…honors the different political beliefs, social values, and lived experiences our students, families, and staff bring to our classrooms and district. Our equity stance intentionally invites different values and viewpoints, as long as they do not promote racism, hate, or discrimination.”

LEAD Cohort Guidance

The LEAD cohort has developed a checklist that can help you prepare the climate and culture of your classroom for difficult conversations. No one, including our students, like to be brought into a difficult conversation that they are unprepared (cognitively or psychologically) to be discussing. Each of us bring our unique and personal experience to the classroom. Each experience has value that has led us to hold our values. This Preparation Checklist can help to honor everyone’s voice.

Let’s Chat! Using the Chat Bar to Maximize Engagement and Innovate Assessment

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The WebEx chat bar may be the most under-utilized tool in your virtual classroom. Few tools are easier for you to use, while also increasing the engagement of your students.

Every time students type in the chat, they are more engaged in your classroom. Every. Single. Time. Asking them to type in the chat a few times per WebEx session is good strategy because these will be more likely to be present and engaged with your content.

However, asking them to type in the chat bar is also good strategy for you because it provides you such an easy way to see if they are learning what you want them to be learning. Creating some routines and expectations around student use of the chat bar – if you do not already do this – has the power to transform your virtual classroom.

Please watch the attached video for chat bar engagement strategies learned from Columbia’s Teacher College. Let’s Chat:  Your Simplest Tool to Maximize Engagement and Innovate Assessment, 7:05.

Links in the “Let’s Chat!” Video: Baylor University,  Polls in WebEx 2:15; Edutech, Six Questions to Improve your Virtual Classroom (2:08)