This is the age of epic political turbulence from the fracturing of major political parties, to the speed of bottom-up student movements. Young people across the country have recently advocated against the criminalization of youth in schools, tracking, and punitive discipline policies; and in favor of gun control, LGBTQ rights, and a National Bill of Student Rights. In early February, youth across the country took part in a national Black Lives Matter Week of Action in Our Schools, where they demanded an end to zero tolerance and the implementation of restorative justice practices; the hiring of more black teachers; and a mandate for black history/ethnic studies in K-12 schools. The incredible young people who are leading the fight in Parkland are building on a deep history of youth activism in this country and organizing marches and a strong political presence for change.
How do educators today help strengthen the knowledge and skill base for our student to understand power structures, how to make change in the world, and how they can be more powerful in public life. This course focuses on the work of Eric Liu and the understanding of sources of power and the change mechanisms. Educators will develop lesson plans to be shared and discuss relevant topics to this issue.
- Teacher: cindy swanson