3.2.2 Structured Academic Controversy for Civic Discourse and the CA CCSS for ELA/Literacy
Research has shown discussing current issues benefits students in other areas. A University of Maryland study showed that students who took part in interactive discussions related to civic education scored highest on 21st century competencies that include working with others, and knowledge of economic and political processes."
Guardians of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools by the Leonore Annenberg Institute of Civics of the University of Pennsylvania and the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools (2011) identifies the discussion of current events and controversial issues as the second of their six proven practices that constitute a well-rounded and high-quality civics learning experience for students.
The Structured Academic Controversy (SAC), developed by the Deliberating in a Democracy in the Americas program, develops students’ literacy skills through content and helps all students gain an understanding of issues, weigh evidence, consider multiple perspectives, discuss and communicate ideas, take stances, and draw conclusions based on evidence. These skills correspond to the CA CCSS Reading and Speaking and Listening Standards.

Read more about the SAC strategy that follows and think about how you might use this in your classroom.
Structured Academic Controversy (SAC)
Deliberating in a Democracy in the Americas |

Watch the Deliberating in a Democracy in the Americas' "Lesson Procedures Video" to see how the SAC process is conducted and how students respond.
The SAC strategy helps students meet the CA Historical and Social Sciences Analysis Skills. Similarly, it can be used to address historical and current controversies throughout the CA History-Social Studies Standards, especially in grade 12. Select the links to reveal example correlated standards.
CA Historical and Social Sciences Analysis Skills Standards, Grades 9–12
CA History-Social Science Standards, Principles of American Democracy, Grade 12

Refer to the CA CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards while considering the activities in the "Deliberating in a Democracy" video.


For more information about how the SAC strategy aligns to the CA CCSS and to see for similarly-correlated writing activities, read "Deliberating in a Democracy in the Americas and Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts." Refer to the Deliberation Lessons for specific materials to implement SAC in the classroom.