Welcome to Big Ideas 2024.
This year’s special report is focused on helping you build bridges in your classroom, school, and district at a moment when Americans’ disparate, deeply held perspectives have made many of us wary of attempting to dialogue—or even taking steps toward a conversation.
As much as polarization can be political, what we discuss here is not: This project is not about ideology or divisive concepts. Rather, it explores what contributes to our desire to run toward—or away from conflict and how we can work together to overcome these deep-seated tendencies. A nationally representative survey sheds light on educators’ mindsets in the current climate.
We hope your takeaways will bring a better understanding of what contributes to polarization, how it might have an impact on the field, and, most importantly, what you can do about it. Ultimately, we believe learning how to join forces will pay dividends for instruction.
Please connect with us on social media by using #K12BigIdeas or by emailing bigideas@educationweek.org.
This year’s special report is focused on helping you build bridges in your classroom, school, and district at a moment when Americans’ disparate, deeply held perspectives have made many of us wary of attempting to dialogue—or even taking steps toward a conversation.
As much as polarization can be political, what we discuss here is not: This project is not about ideology or divisive concepts. Rather, it explores what contributes to our desire to run toward—or away from conflict and how we can work together to overcome these deep-seated tendencies. A nationally representative survey sheds light on educators’ mindsets in the current climate.
We hope your takeaways will bring a better understanding of what contributes to polarization, how it might have an impact on the field, and, most importantly, what you can do about it. Ultimately, we believe learning how to join forces will pay dividends for instruction.
Please connect with us on social media by using #K12BigIdeas or by emailing bigideas@educationweek.org.
Schools Are Now Political Battlegrounds. We've Been Here BeforeU.S. history is filled with moments of polarization. What’s different about today?
The Brain Science of Outrage: What Teachers Need to KnowWhy is it so hard to disagree on controversial topics without blowing up? Neuroscience research has some answers.
What Educators Think About Classroom Controversy, in ChartsHow many teachers are avoiding divisive topics? What happens to them when they don’t?
Schools Can’t Cure Polarization. Here’s How They Survive It (Opinion)To avoid controversy, many educators have learned to sidestep contentious topics. That’s understandable—and wrong.
How Principals Can Ride the Storm of Divisive PoliticsSchool leaders must do their best to find a way for everyone to work together and move forward.
Intellectual Humility: What It Is and Why Schools Need It (Opinion)Preparing citizens starts with recognizing the limits of what any individual knows.
How Intellectually Humble Are Educators? An IndexHow receptive are educators to discussing important topics with people who hold opposing views? The answer has a curious contradiction.
‘People Can Only Hear When They’re Heard': Navigating Divisive ConversationsMónica Guzmán offers advice to educators on teaching themselves and their students how to use curiosity to navigate divisive conversations.
Polarization in Schools: 5 Timely Remedies for EducatorsWhat contributes to polarization? What is its impact on K-12? Answers to these questions are the focus of this year's special report.
Coverage of leadership, social and emotional learning, afterschool and summer learning, arts education, and equity is supported in part by a grant from The Wallace Foundation, at www.wallacefoundation.org. Education Week retains sole editorial control over the content of this coverage.