SPA’s mission is to “shape the hearts and minds of people who will change the world,” so why are conversations about global events being avoided? In 2016, Courageous Conversation About Race (CCAR) programming was integrated into the curriculum to produce productive conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. When “‘changing the world,”’ global awareness is essential. So why are discussions about global crises avoided at school?
SPA is more than well-equipped for conversations surrounding global events. According to the official website of St. Paul Academy and Summit School, “The CCAR protocols are also used in the classroom to engage in courageous conversations when a shared protocol is helpful in addressing a specific subject or discussion topic, to create a safe space for students to share multiple perspectives.”
In previous years, discourse about current events was a priority. What changed?
A psychological study from American University revealed that youth and adults alike worry about political issues. In the same breath, student discussion should be an expectation, not a request. Neglecting student concerns over global or national news can not be the new norm.
Teachers may be reluctant to facilitate conversations regarding certain political events out of concern for conflict arising in the classroom. However, some topics are simply messy. When students are not provided with the necessary space to process and analyze with an emphasis on productivity, they resort to hallway conversations that cause more harm than good.
Children must be exposed to peer’s opposing viewpoints. It builds the foundation for collaboration with people regardless of their personal beliefs. Dialogue about current events teaches students how to have constructive and effective conversations about uncomfortable subjects and hopefully build a practice of understanding even in disagreements.
Ongoing global conflicts swarm every news site and social media platform: they should not be forgotten as soon as a student steps foot on campus. In school, it is vital to provide students with safe spaces to get information, share their views, and learn from their peers. Expecting children to share the same worldly views as adults is unfair when adults are reluctant to speak on complicated subjects themselves.
