2240 - CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES IN THE CLASSROOM

A teachermay express a personal opinion as long in the course of the staff members duties in accordance with Policy 2240 - Controversial Issues in the Classroom.

The following guidelines are designed to assist teachers in the instruction of controversial issues in the classroom:

1. If a controversial issue is part of a course of study, any questions about the appropriateness for use in the classroom shall be discussed first with the Principal.
2. Differing viewpoints regarding a controversial issue should be respectfully explored so that students are engaged in a balanced discussion that is focused on developing critical thinking skills.
3. Before introducing a controversial issue, teachers should consider:
    
   1. the chronological and emotional maturity of the students;
   2. the appropriateness and timeliness of the issue as it relates to the course and the students;
   3. the extent to which they can successfully handle the issue from a personal standpoint;
   4. the amount of time needed and available to examine the issue fairly.
4. The teacher should encourage student views on issues as long as the expression of those views is not derogatory, malicious, or abusive toward other student views or toward a particular group.
5. Teachers should help students use a critical thinking process such as the following to examine different sides of an issue:
   
   For each stated position:
    
   1. What is the person (group) saying?
   2. What evidence is there that what is being said is true?
   3. What is said that would lead you to think the position is valid?
   4. What are the strengths and weaknesses of this position?
   5. What do you think would happen if this point of view was accepted and was put into practice?

For reaching conclusions:

1. On balance, what do you think is the most reasoned statement? the most valid position?
2. What is there in the statements that supports your conclusion? What other things, beside what is being said, leads you to your conclusion?

(See also Policy 3310 – Employee Expression in Noninstructional Settings)

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