Giving Compass' Take:

· With the rise of political activism in schools everywhere, Lauren Barack at Education Dive explains that debate can help students better discuss their differences and rise above the heat. 

· Why is it important to have civil conversation over this subject? How can schools encourage debates rather than arguments? 

· Learn how students can lead the way with civil political debates.

In a political environment as heavily charged as the one the U.S. is experiencing today, it can be difficult for educators to weave in political topics without feeling they are lighting kindling. Another option for teachers, administrators and curriculum designers, is to take a page from debate programs, which force students to examine — and be prepared to make — both sides of an argument.

Debate is a course that not only enriches curriculum, but also helps students “…develop skills in research, critical thinking, organization, persuasion and communication,” wrote debate coach Mellessa Denny from Amarillo High School in Texas, and the past president of the Texas Speech Communication Association, for the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Debate can also help students learn to view a topic without personalizing the issue, and instead develop respect for another point of view. Choosing debate winners who show “the most respect,” is an activity actually encouraged by the Anchorage School District in Alaska, to help students develop their social and emotional learning skills.

Read the full article about student debates by Lauren Barack at Education Dive.