Making Space for Difficult Discussions
Following the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, guidance for educators and families to support productive conversations about traumatic events.
Teaching in Complex Times
Encouraging shared conversations about ethical dilemmas and civic controversies in the classroom.
Teaching and Learning Though Dangerous Times
Advice for educators on how to extend grace and teach effectively in times of turmoil.
“We have really ceased to lay the foundation in K–12 for young people to understand democracy, be motivated to participate in it, to have the skills and tools they need to participate effectively, and as a result, enjoy participation.”
– Professor Danielle Allen, director of the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics
Listen to the Harvard EdCast.
A Toolkit for Digital Civics
Helping young people learn to use digital media — safely and productively — to make an impact on issues they care about.
Educating for Democracy
In an actionable half-hour webinar, HGSE's Rick Weissbourd and guests from iCivics, CIRCLE, and the We Are America project offered fresh ideas to rethink civics in school and at home, putting student voice and equity at the center.
Justice in Schools: Case Studies
Meira Levinson's Justice in Schools project has case studies to help educators navigate political divides and teach controversial issues in the classroom, as well as other real-life examples of ethical, civic-oriented learning experiences — including a relevant case about teaching the 2016 election.
Teaching Across a Political Divide
How educators can effectively discuss politics in their classrooms and help a younger generation move past polarization.
“We’re having a harder time than usual identifying what kinds of values, beliefs, and characteristics hold us together as a nation. And even if we are able to name some shared values — democracy, equality, speech, or good government — that doesn’t mean that we have a shared understanding of what they mean. ”
– Professor Meira Levinson
Read more.
Civic Engagement in 2020 and Beyond
HGSE's Eric Soto-Shed outlines strategies for helping students become informed, engaged, and active members of their communities.
Called to Action
How a new civics curriculum from Danielle Allen and her colleagues at the Democratic Knowledge Project empowers students to become democratic participants — even in a pandemic.
What Does it Mean to Be American?
A new project, led by teacher Jessica Lander, Ed.M.’15 and her students, encourages students to explore their identities and share the stories of what makes them unique — and uniquely American.
Civics for the Youngest Students
The classroom as the perfect place to hone citizenship skills, say researchers at Project Zero, building a sense of community among classmates and the broader world.
