Jane's Pocket Change: Civil Discourse
A cry we often hear at CSW is that social-political views that differ widely from our general espousal of that which is liberal cannot freely be voiced. And yet we are committed to being inclusive and we believe that through thoughtful, deep exchanges of ideas we will truly learn.
A cry we often hear at CSW is that social-political views that differ widely from our general espousal of that which is liberal cannot freely be voiced. And yet we are committed to being inclusive and we believe that through thoughtful, deep exchanges of ideas we will truly learn.
I worry a lot about extreme views, especially these days. I have friends, for example, with very different political views than I and I see that I can no longer discuss issues without some of them simply holding so tight to their beliefs that the conversation is no longer civil.
A cry we often hear at CSW is that social-political views that differ widely from our general espousal of that which is liberal cannot freely be voiced. And yet we are committed to being inclusive and we believe that through thoughtful, deep exchanges of ideas we will truly learn. We often say, "open hearts, open minds," and listen to the other point of view.
In educational leader and reformer Grant Wiggins' latest blog he raises these issues quite brilliantly and asks us to look at what some of the Common Core guidelines are asking of public schools. (See info here) He suggests that our ability to change our minds, after engaging deeply and considering the other points of view, is a mark of a great school and good education. His examples are compelling and important.
We claim as a school that we "change lives." I think we do, in many cases; but what we are truly doing is opening minds to potential change, often revealing the opposite argument to the one you thought was right and helping students see the beauty of that growth--from "this is the only way" to "oh, I see, there is another way."
At our best discussion assemblies, in the most open of class discussions and throughout the school when we are willing to engage, with civility and humility, and entertain new ideas, deep learning truly happens. Thanks Grant Wiggins for putting it so clearly.
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Pocket Change is a web diary written by Jane Moulding, head of school.
I worry a lot about extreme views, especially these days. I have friends, for example, with very different political views than I and I see that I can no longer discuss issues without some of them simply holding so tight to their beliefs that the conversation is no longer civil.
A cry we often hear at CSW is that social-political views that differ widely from our general espousal of that which is liberal cannot freely be voiced. And yet we are committed to being inclusive and we believe that through thoughtful, deep exchanges of ideas we will truly learn. We often say, "open hearts, open minds," and listen to the other point of view.
In educational leader and reformer Grant Wiggins' latest blog he raises these issues quite brilliantly and asks us to look at what some of the Common Core guidelines are asking of public schools. (See info here) He suggests that our ability to change our minds, after engaging deeply and considering the other points of view, is a mark of a great school and good education. His examples are compelling and important.
We claim as a school that we "change lives." I think we do, in many cases; but what we are truly doing is opening minds to potential change, often revealing the opposite argument to the one you thought was right and helping students see the beauty of that growth--from "this is the only way" to "oh, I see, there is another way."
At our best discussion assemblies, in the most open of class discussions and throughout the school when we are willing to engage, with civility and humility, and entertain new ideas, deep learning truly happens. Thanks Grant Wiggins for putting it so clearly.
_______________________________________________________________
Pocket Change is a web diary written by Jane Moulding, head of school.
Campus News
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Our Children's Trust Visits CSW
Read MoreEach year, the Maverick Lloyd Speaker Series at CSW welcomes pioneering speakers with a strong foundation in social justice activism and civil engagement to CSW, informing and empowering students to actively promote justice in their communities and beyond. The 2024 Maverick Lloyd speakers were Mat dos Santos and Laura Gehrke of Our Children’s Trust, a groundbreaking nonprofit organization that empowers youth to secure their legal rights to a life-sustaining climate. -
Sustainability Commitee Organizes Earth Day Workshop Series
Students in CSW’s Sustainability Committee, a group charged with creating and supporting a systematic and ongoing sustainability culture on campus, organized a series of workshops focused around the topics of sustainability and environmental activism. Workshops were conceptualized and led by students, faculty/staff, and special guests alike.Read More -
David Hogg Delivers 2024 Social Justice Day Keynote
CSW was honored to welcome David Hogg to campus to deliver the keynote address at our 2024 Michael H. Feldman ’67 Social Justice Day. This year’s topic, as voted on by the CSW student body, was Gun Violence and Legislation.Read More -
Brazilian Drummer Bruno Tessele Visits CSW
Read MoreOn March 8, 2024, students in Gustavo Brasil's "Beat Making" music class got a special visit from Brazilian drummer Bruno Tessele! Bruno has been working extensively as a musician, composer, producer, arranger and teacher on the Brazilian and international music scene. -
CSW Theatre Department Competes at the METG
Read MoreOn Saturday, March 2, 2024, our students in the High School Drama Festival D Block traveled to Wayland High School for the Massachusetts Education Theatre Guild High School Drama Festival. They spent Mods 3 and 4 preparing their submission of "Einstein's Dream" and three students brought home awards! Congratulations to Monty B. '25 and Luke S. '26 for winning an award for Technical Excellence in Prop Design, and Brayden B. '24 for winning an award for his role as Einstein.
Meet CSW Students
The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.
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