Supreme Court Summer Institute for Teachers

deliberation Voting Rights and Regulations

outcomes Teachers will be able to: Explain the role of state and federal governments in making voting laws List arguments for both sides about proposed voting regulations Use deliberations in class Teach using controversial issues

Impacts of discussion Evidence shows that students in classrooms with high quality discussion Have increased political tolerance – are willing to consider diverse viewpoints Are more interested in political issues and understand their complexity Are more comfortable with disagreement Intend to vote, follow the news

Good Looks Like…. Student-to-student talk Multiple, competing perspectives Well-prepared participants Inclusive, full participation Arguments supported with logic No personal attacks

Overcoming Hurdles Hurdle to successful discussion How we’ll overcome it with this method Lack of participation No diversity of opinion presented Participants are unprepared Participants rude to each other

Overcoming Hurdles Hurdle to successful discussion How we’ll overcome it with this method Lack of participation Small groups, everyone prepared No diversity of opinion presented Participants are unprepared Participants rude to each other

Overcoming Hurdles Hurdle to successful discussion How we’ll overcome it with this method Lack of participation Small groups, everyone prepared No diversity of opinion presented Materials present multiple perspectives; everyone has to voice both sides Participants are unprepared Participants rude to each other

Overcoming Hurdles Hurdle to successful discussion How we’ll overcome it with this method Lack of participation Small groups, everyone prepared No diversity of opinion presented Materials present multiple perspectives; everyone has to voice both sides Participants are unprepared Prep time & support, common and thorough source materials Participants rude to each other

Overcoming Hurdles Hurdle to successful discussion How we’ll overcome it with this method Lack of participation Small groups, everyone prepared No diversity of opinion presented Materials present multiple perspectives; everyone has to voice both sides Participants are unprepared Prep time & support, common and thorough source materials Participants rude to each other Set expectations; foster listening and respect

Deliberation steps Pairs are assigned to a role, A or B: “A”s State should enact stricter voting requirements “B”s State should not enact stricter voting requirements Read, outline, prepare a short presentation First Round Presentations “A” pairs present for 5 minutes; “B” pairs listen & take notes “B” pairs present for 5 minutes; “A” pairs listen & take notes Switch sides and prepare to present new side Second Round: Recap most compelling points “B” pairs present first “A” pairs present second  Collaborative Discussion – drop assigned roles Reflection

Good Looks Like…. Student-to-student talk Multiple, competing perspectives Well-prepared participants Inclusive, full participation Arguments supported with logic No personal attacks

Supreme Court Summer Institute for Teachers