A Call for Something Better: Classrooms as Foundations of Respectful Argument for Civic Engagement

Authors

Mark Dziedzic, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Greater Madison Writing ProjectFollow
Bryn Orum, University of Wisconsin, Madison - Greater Madison Writing ProjectFollow
Linda Denstaedt, Oakland Writing ProjectFollow

Abstract

“Building Something Better: Civically Engaged Conversation with Contested Issues ” promotes essential elements teachers used to design text sets and student experiences supportive of inclusive classrooms that recognize diversity of perspectives as a strength. The National Writing Project’s College, Career, and Community Writers Program served as a framework for looking closely at the role of teaching practice to develop classroom conversations focused on contested social issues and text sets that disrupt prior thinking and open the door to multiple perspectives, stakeholders, and voices. The ideas presented in this article emerged in collaboration with teachers using C3WP to rethink their curriculum and the role of civically engaged arguments for authentic audiences. Intertwining multiple literacies through an iterative approach, the principles and practices described help young writers make meaning of the world and provide an opportunity to see their words and ideas have power.

Author Bio

Mark Dziedzic is the co-director of the Greater Madison Writing Project and a Senior Outreach Specialist at PLACE - Professional Learning and Community Engagement at the University of Wisconsin’s School of Education and previously taught in elementary and middle schools in Colorado and Wisconsin. He is interested in educational practices that honor and elevate the experiences and expertise of youth, educators, and communities. He can be reached at mdziedzic@wisc.edu.

Bryn Orum is the co-director of the Greater Madison Writing Project and an Outreach Specialist at PLACE - Professional Learning and Community Engagement at the University of Wisconsin’s School of Education. She is interested in using writing to create change in and out of the classroom. She can be reached at bryn.orum@wisc.edu.

Linda Denstaedt serves as a Thinking Partner for the National Writing Project’s College, Career, and Community Writers Program Leadership Team and is the Co-director of Oakland Writing Project (MI). She is interested in discourse practices and learning frameworks that enable equity and agency. She can be reached at ldenstaedt@gmail.com.

Recommended Citation

Dziedzic, Mark; Orum, Bryn; and Denstaedt, Linda (2021) "A Call for Something Better: Classrooms as Foundations of Respectful Argument for Civic Engagement," Michigan Reading Journal: Vol. 53: Iss. 2, Article 7.
Available at: https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/mrj/vol53/iss2/7