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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Snow could hamper Turkey Day travel ... Man arrested as suspect in string of Ashland thefts ... Fire damages house on Neil Creek Road outside Ashland ... Snow could hamper Turkey Day travel ... Man arrested as suspect in string of Ashland thefts ... Fire damages house on Neil Creek Road outside Ashland ... TEACHER'S TIPS Teacher's Tips: Politics should have a place in the classroom Comment By Paul R. Huard for the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Paul R. Huard for the Tidings Posted Nov. 24, 2015 at 12:01 AM By Paul R. Huard for the Tidings Posted Nov. 24, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News There is an elephant — and a donkey — in the room … classroom, that is. A presidential election year always brings the opportunity for teachers and students to discuss politics. At first glance, a conversation about presidential candidates, party platforms, and who’s voting for whom would seem a natural in the school environment. I’m certainly a strong supporter of the practice: As a social studies teacher, I know that decades of research amply proves that healthy civics discussions are one of the tools that transforms young people into engaged adult citizens who vote. But most of us also know why it’s dangerous to bring up politics — the result can be white-hot arguments and the all-too-easy habit of writing off someone who isn’t of the same political persuasion. In fact, many teachers nationwide avoid discussing presidential politics, according to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement. Recent polling by the center revealed that about 25 percent of teachers worried that parents would object to lesson plans on national politics; only 38 percent believed their school district would strongly support teachers who include politics as part of instruction. Mind you, this isn’t about teachers telling a student how they should vote or who he or she should support. It’s about discussing current events and the fate of this nation — something that can be done in an informative, fair and non-partisan way. I’m just one teacher, and I don’t claim to speak for the entire the profession. However, here’s what I try to do in the classroom when it comes to the topic most of us won’t bring up at the dinner table when a certain aunt or uncle are in town. I embrace discussion. Students of all ages are smart and they can smell a masquerade a mile away. If I try to avoid the topic of politics most students will ask “Why?” Besides, students are often genuinely interested in a discussion about presidential politics. Many students, even at a young age, are not only forming their political identity but deciding whether they want to vote some day. The discussion is worth having. I don’t disclose my own politics. Oh, I am human — things slip out. But, I do my best to keep my political identity and information about who and what I support to myself. Trust me, I have strong and dearly held political beliefs. However, I also strongly believe that if I spend time talking about my political beliefs that takes away the opportunity for students to talk about their budding political beliefs. I insist on civil and polite dialogue in class. It’s a classroom, not a talk show. There are ways to disagree agreeably. One of the guidelines I establish at the beginning of class whether or not it is an election year is my expectation that students will listen politely to other students’ point of view — even if it is not their own, even if it is in the minority. The way to build political tolerance is to engage in discussions with peers who have a different point of view. And if an opposing point of view isn’t available, I will play devil’s advocate and provide one just for the sake of discussion. It’s is not my job to create a political echo chamber that reinforces the politics espoused at home. It’s often said that the American eagle needs a right wing and a left wing to fly. Both Democrats and Republicans represent the oldest continually operating political parties of any democracy in the world. I want my students to develop as political beings in the most democratic environment I can possibly create in a classroom. That means that I am probably going to bring up topics and candidates that some parents don’t support. I don’t do that to transform your child into something politically distasteful to you. If we really want political tolerance, let’s start by building it in our children. Politics in America is not just about a horserace, talk radio, or who is up and down in the polls. It is the lifeblood of our unique nation, one whose very birth was based on broad political involvement. I hope our classrooms will always be a place that embraces that birthright. A former reporter who covered politics and government for newspapers in California and Oregon, Paul R. Huard teaches social studies and English courses at Ashland High School. The opinions he expresses are his own. By Paul R. Huard for the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Paul R. Huard for the Tidings Posted Nov. 24, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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