Civics Pathway 3: Foundational Civics Pedagogies, Grades 6-12

LOCATION: In person and online options available
COST: Free (Only Open to Massachusetts Public School Educators)
Dates: TBD 2024
Pre-Register for Fall 2024

Event Details


DESE Civics Pathways

  • The Civics Pathways are designed and facilitated by Massachusetts teachers.
  • Currently, the Civics Pathways are open only to Massachusetts public school educators.
  • The deadline for registering for workshops is two days prior to the workshop date.
  • The deadline for registering for the self-paced online learning is two weeks prior to the end date.
  • If you have any questions, please email pzlearn@gse.harvard.edu with “Civics Pathways Registration” in the subject line.

Workshop 1: Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Practices: A Foundation for Civics Learning

In a culturally responsive learning environment, students are able to draw on their language, identity, and culture as assets for learning. This workshop focuses on how culturally and linguistically sustaining practices help build a foundation for powerful civics learning. You will leave with strategies and tools that can be used in your classroom immediately.

2 hours; 3 PDPs

Dates:

  • Jan. 10, 2024 (via Zoom); 4-6pm
  • March 26, 2024 (in person); 4-6:30pm; (light dinner served); Courtyard by Marriott, Raynham, MA
    • 2.5 hours, 4 PDPs
    • Combined offering covering Workshop 1: Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Practices, a Foundation for Civics Learning and Workshop 2: Navigating Classroom Discussions about Difficult Topics

Self-paced Online Learning: Powerful Practices to Support Civics Learning

In this learning series you’ll deepen your use of core practices for developing civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions – learning through inquiry, engaging with primary sources, and developing media and news literacy. Join the course on your own or work together with colleagues who have also registered.

  • Session 1: Learning Through Inquiry
  • Session 2: Engaging with Primary Sources
  • Session 3: Developing Media and News Literacy

5 self-paced hours (7.5 PDPs) per session plus a final reflection for a total of 16 hours (24 PDPs) for the full course.

Dates: self-paced between Jan. 29, 2024 and April 22, 2024; must register by April 8, 2023

Workshop 2: Navigating Difficult Topics and Controversial Conversations in the Classroom

Engaging in civil discourse with people whose views are different from our own is an important civic skill. This workshop focuses on how to help your students develop this skill. You’ll learn strategies for managing discussions of difficult topics in a way that maintains a safe and productive learning environment.

2 hours; 3 PDPs

Dates:

  • Jan. 25, 2024 (via Zoom); 4-6pm
  • March 26, 2024 (in person); 4-6:30pm; (light dinner served); Courtyard by Marriott, Raynham, MA
    • 2.5 hours, 4 PDPs
    • Combined offering covering Workshop 1: Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Practices, a Foundation for Civics Learning and Workshop 2: Navigating Classroom Discussions about Difficult Topics