Controversy in the Classroom

Diana E . Hess is an Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

• Series Editor Introduction, Michael W. AppleIntroductionSection One: The Case for Controversial Political Issues1. Why Democracy Demands Controversy2. Rationales for Controversial Political Issues Discussions3. Defining Controversial IssuesSection Two: Inside ClassroomsChapter 4. Skillful Teaching of Controversial Issues Discussions5. Diversity in our Midst: Ideological Diversity in Classrooms and its Impact on Controversial Political Issues Discussions6. To Disclose or Not: A Controversial Choice for Teachers, Co-authored with Paula McAvoySection Three: Controversy in the Curriculum7. Teaching in the Tip: Controversies about What is Legitimately Controversial8. September 11: "The Ultimate Teachable Moment:" How Supplementary Materials and Textbooks Deal with Controversy in the Classroom9. Creating More Controversy in ClassroomsAppendix AAppendix B

Winner of the 2009 NCSS Exemplary Research in Social Studies Award"Teachers are tempted to avoid controversial issues in preference for "safe" knowledge and "safe" teaching practices. This book interrupts this dangerous trend, providing a spirited and detailed argument for why curricula and teaching based on controversial issues are crucial."--The Social Studies Professional"Hess’s argument is both refreshingly pragmatic and rooted in transformative aims."--Theory and Research in Social Education