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

“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.