Teaching Young People to Bridge Divides
Professional Learning Focused on Civic Discourse
Center for Inspired Teaching is providing training and resources to help teachers nationwide implement Speak Truth seminars in their classrooms. These student-driven seminars explore difficult topics in a way that builds understanding and decreases judgement.
A Film and Resources to Explore Bridge Building
The film, The First Step, offers a powerful exploration of what's possible when people connect across differences to create change. Inspired Teaching and Meridian Hill Pictures are teaming up to create classroom resources that support the use of this film for Speak Truth discussions.
Classroom Connections Across Red and Blue States
Teachers who participate in Speak Truth America will become part of a network of classrooms that are fostering civic discourse. Inspired Teaching will help connect these classrooms for cross-state discussions where students learn from and develop a deeper understanding of their peers across the country.
What is the Speak Truth Approach?
Through a carefully structured design, the Speak Truth approach positions students as emerging experts and teaches them how to engage in civic discourse around critical issues in their lives and in the broader community.
The first Speak Truth session took place in 2014 and brought together public, public charter, and private school students from Washington, DC to discuss Ta Nehisi Coates’ “The Case for Reparations.” In that discussion, students did all the talking while their teachers looked on. Inspired Teaching's Director of Youth Programming, Cosby Hunt, organized that event and observed “a certain power in having these young people talking together with teachers on the outside rather than at the center.”
That discussion became the first of many more. Over several years, the format, preparation, focus, and assessment of Speak Truth has been fine-tuned. Students have discussed everything from dress codes to police brutality; the student-facilitators typically choose the topics, assign the readings, and develop the questions, with guidance and support from their teacher.
Speak Truth is rooted in the Inspired Teaching approach, which positions the teacher as an Instigator of Thought. An Instigator of Thought teaches students how to think, instead of doing the thinking for them. Every Speak Truth seminar positions the student as an emerging expert since students facilitate the discussion.
Student-facilitators are prepared for this role with the understanding that an inclusive discussion begins with mutual respect for the humanity of everyone participating. Students are engaged fully in an activity that demands they bring purpose, persistence, and action to their participation. When teachers use the Speak Truth model in their classrooms, they are engaging in authentic assessment as participants display wide-ranging evidence of learning. Even though the topics discussed are often difficult and complicated, Speak Truth sessions are joyful because they demonstrate the incredible potential young people bring to the learning process, allowing them to own their “Aha!” moments. When these core elements work together, students build the 4 I’s: Intellect, Inquiry, Imagination, and Integrity.
What are the components of a Speak Truth Seminar?
Opening
Introductions and an inviting opening question all can answer. Clarification of expectations for civic discourse.
Context
Sharing a text (article/video/image/audio/etc.) to ground the discussion and elicit myriad perspectives in the room.
Discussion
Scaffolded open-ended questions that deepen understanding of the issue being discussed and invite various viewpoints.
Assessment
Reflection on discussion and completion of a feedback survey. (Facilitator uses survey to plan next discussion/action steps.)
What will participation in Speak Truth America entail?
1. 6 Hour Training
3. 3 Hour Film Viewing and Seminar Discussion with Students
2. 3 Hour Student Facilitator Training
Learn how Speak Truth works, view and discuss The First Step, develop implementation plan.
2. 3 Hour Student Facilitator Training
3. 3 Hour Film Viewing and Seminar Discussion with Students
2. 3 Hour Student Facilitator Training
Using the Speak Truth America curriculum, teachers train students to lead discussions.
3. 3 Hour Film Viewing and Seminar Discussion with Students
3. 3 Hour Film Viewing and Seminar Discussion with Students
3. 3 Hour Film Viewing and Seminar Discussion with Students
Students practice the Speak Truth approach using The First Step as an anchor text.
4. 2 Student-Led Classroom Seminars
4. 2 Student-Led Classroom Seminars
3. 3 Hour Film Viewing and Seminar Discussion with Students
Students lead at least 2 seminars with peers in their classroom/school.
5. Survey
4. 2 Student-Led Classroom Seminars
6. Cross State Seminar
Students and teacher participate in a national survey for the project.
6. Cross State Seminar
4. 2 Student-Led Classroom Seminars
6. Cross State Seminar
Students and teachers engage in a seminar with youth from another state.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
We're looking for educators who want to bring Speak Truth America to their classrooms this fall.
Participants will receive professional development, materials, and resources to support civic discourse. Young people need to learn how to engage across difference with curiosity and respect. Make your classroom the place where this happens!
