This winter the McCormick Foundation Civics Program offered middle and high school teachers in the Chicago area a series of free seminars on the First Amendment. The three-part series explored how the First Amendment supports deliberation in the classroom within the broader context of engaging students with current and controversial issues. Participants received lesson plan demonstrations and other resources for teaching contemporary controversies such as immigration, gun rights and gay rights.

At the final seminar, Adam Davis represented the Project on Civic Reflection in a panel discussion on different approaches to teaching controversial issues. Panelists exchanged views on these questions: How do we engage with controversial issues in the classroom? What are the benefits, real challenges and different approaches to classroom engagement with controversy?

The mission of the McCormick Foundation Civics Program is to improve access to quality civic education and engagement opportunities in the Chicago area for youth ages 12-22, providing resources and programs for youth and professional development for educators. Click here for information on upcoming teacher seminars offered by the Civics Program.