Civic character

Schools and classrooms are microcosms of our larger society and often reflect a diversity of views on political, social, and other controversial issues. In daily interactions — in classroom management, parent conversations, or team meetings, for instance — educators model civility by seeking to understand points of disagreement they encounter rather than by becoming defensive or seeking to win arguments. Educators can help their students learn the basic processes of civil discourse by teaching them to voice their opinions respectfully and by engaging in conversation — not arguments — with those who disagree. By creating an environment that values civility and also encourages debate and dissent — engaging assets such as humility, inclusivity, and courage — educators can support their students in developing skills critical for contributing to a democratic, pluralistic society. 

Practicing civility at the level of school systems or other education institutions is closely tied to inclusivity and engaging multiple and diverse perspectives (Practice C2). Leaders can model civility by creating structures and safe spaces that encourage stakeholders to voice their opinions, even when they have dissenting views or disagree with one another. Approaches such as providing translation services so that people can express themselves in the dignity of their native languages in parent or public meetings, or bringing in external facilitators to guide conversation when discussing challenging topics with teachers or community members, can go a long way toward setting the right tone. Making publicly clear that the organization seeks to engage a diversity of thought and experience can create the expectations that differences in opinion are not only acceptable but desirable, shifting the tone of public disagreement.