Established in 1980, the United States Department of Education is the department of the executive branch of the federal government dealing with school quality, funding, and access. While public schools in the United States are run by state and local governments, the Department of Education has a key role in executing federal education policies which heavily impact how schools operate. Debates surrounding education in the United States are often contentious and multifaceted, ranging from arguments over curricula to school choice and funding. Delegates in this committee represent key figures in the US Department of Education and educational policymakers aiming to create solutions to these issues which will satisfy the many stakeholders in American education and improve educational quality.
topics and questions to consider
topic 1: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in K-12 Schools
Questions to Consider
As a general rule, would it be better for K-12 schools to pursue a policy of color blindness or anti-racism? How might each of these doctrines look in practice?
Are reforms of school curricula geared toward promoting DEI beneficial or detrimental for schools and their students?
Do DEI reforms promote inclusion or exclusion? If the latter, how might this be limited or mitigated?
Based on the answers to the above questions, what reforms do schools need to implement to provide the best outcomes for all students?
How should school staff be prepared to implement policies discussed in relation to question 4?
topic 2: Teaching Controversial History
Questions to Consider
To what extent are revisionist histories such as The1619 Project worth incorporating into curricula across the country?
To what extent are traditional histories such as The1776 Report worth incorporating into curricula across the country?
Who should have a say in how revised and traditional histories are taught? Consider but do not limit yourself to parents, teachers, school administrators, students, government officials, and academic historians.
How should educators of United States history use revised and traditional narratives in the classroom? How can teachers avoid political indoctrination in their usage of these narratives?
What is the role of the federal government and the Department of Education in answering questions about what narratives go into curricula across the country?
