1 file available upon enrollment
For some students, additional processing time may be needed before comfortably engaging in group discussion.  It may be helpful to brainstorm ideas about the topic or question prior to class using a journal. 

Please note that the beginning questions are pre-determined BUT, the direction of each class discussion is not.  

After posing the week's question and clarifying understanding of it, students will be invited to share their thoughts and pose additional questions related to the topic as we embark on a philosophical class discussion.  This may result in discussion or shared concepts about controversial topics such as race, gender identity, abortion, politics, or religion.  The teacher will facilitate the discussion by asking questions and encouraging students to elaborate, but will not share personal thoughts, philosophies, or positions about any given topic.  

Compliance with Outschool policy is held in high regard in my class.  Outschool policy states that "Outschool classes should be unbiased, inclusive of all learners, and intentionally designed to represent diverse viewpoints fairly and accurately. This ensures that all educators, learners, and families feel welcome on our platform and can expect a positive experience in their Outschool classroom." It also requires that with respect to religion, Outschool classes "Do not promote a specific religion or religious point of view. . ." and that teachers do not share their personal religious beliefs with learners. 

The goal in this class is to facilitate healthy discussions that cultivate open mindedness, logical questioning, critical thinking, and tolerance to opposing views.  If the discourse begins to veer into inappropriate content per Outschool policy, or begins to produce significant emotional disturbance in a student(s), the teacher will terminate the topic or redirect the conversation.  If specific students do not adhere to classroom expectations, they will first be moved to the waiting room and given a warning via messaging. If the behavior continues, they will be asked to leave the group.  

Intellectual and emotional safety is of utmost importance to the success of our discussions.   Students are expected to agree to the discussion expectations stated on the welcome post. 

When in doubt, please reach out!