How should we help young people understand the abortion debate?  For three decades, Dave Ross has been helping adolescents explore highly controversial issues, including abortion and reproductive rights. As a teacher of philosophy, history, and social issues courses at West High School in Madison, Wisconsin, he has guided students to examine not only the legal issues around abortion but also the ethical issues, the policy issues, and numerous related questions. In this episode, Brett talks to Dave about how he has taught about the abortion debate, including how he creates an open classroom climate for discussion, how he chooses resources that offer a variety of perspectives on the issue, and how he designs engaging learning experiences. Dave also recommends a variety of resources that listeners can check out if they want to learn more about this type of work.


Related Teaching Resources

Dave Ross's Folder of Resources for Teaching about the Abortion Debate

Article: Dave Ross & Others Recognized at Northwestern University for Extraordinary Teaching

Clarifying Public Controversy (by Fred Newmann & Donald Oliver)

The Political Classroom (Diana Hess & Paula McAvoy)

Supreme Court Landmark Cases Curricula


ESD Podcast Resources

Education for Sustainable Democracy Homepage

Brett Levy's Open-Access Research Articles (Free Downloads)

Education for Sustainable Democracy Facebook Page (Please Like!)

YouTube Channel for Education for Sustainable Democracy (Please Subscribe!)

Brett's Twitter Page for Handle @brettlmlevy


Related Episodes

Integrating History and Current Events & Creating an Open Classroom Climate, with Amber Joseph (East Side Community School, NYC)

Teaching Social & Historical Issues through Film: Trends & Challenges, with Jeremy Stoddard (University of Wisconsin - Madison)

Creating Inclusive Environments and Curricula for LGBTQ+ Youth, with Marc Lewis (R.J. Grey Junior High, Acton MA)

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