Controversial Issues in the News

Close up’s resources and methodology are designed to support diverse curricula. Some teachers utilize the Public Policy In-Depth library as their main curriculum. Others use the libraries as a supplement to their civics, government, history, debate, and humanities courses, selecting the discussion topics that are most relevant to their syllabus.

Close Up’s resources are designed to supplement civics, government, history, debate, social studies, and humanities courses. Most of Close Up’s lesson plans and issue discussions are designed to last one or two class periods, although teachers can extend that time to allow students to do additional research on their own to support classroom discourse and projects.

The resources are designed for use in middle school and high school, grades 6-12. The Controversial Issues in the News library is available in two reading levels – middle school and high school – and is generally the best starting point for both. Typically, the Public Policy In-Depth library fits best in a high school classroom, although some middle schools use these resources for in-depth civics units.

Yes, Close Up’s resources offer students a balanced and multipartisan look at controversial issues by using a selection of primary sources (speeches, op-eds, videos, current legislation) drawn from decision-makers and experts on all parts of the political spectrum. By encouraging students to carefully consider both sides of a debate before developing their own opinion, we aim to foster a culture of civility, respect, and understanding.

Close Up’s resources support each dimension of the C3 Framework.

• Developing Questions and Planning Inquiries: Our materials make connections to long-standing tensions in American government, encouraging students to investigate the root cause of unresolved issues in today’s society.
• Applying Disciplinary Tools and Concepts: Our lesson plans coach students to use democratic principles as they debate and deliberate on current issues with their peers.
• Evaluating Sources and Using Evidence: Students develop an ability to analyze arguments and make well-founded claims about their political world.
• Communicating Conclusions and Taking Informed Action: Close Up’s classroom materials include resources for students to actively engage with their communities and express their views to leaders and decision-makers.

Close Up’s materials also fulfill several significant Common Core Standards for English Language Arts and state standards across the nation. They are also aligned with a number of College & Career Anchor Standards:

• Key Ideas and Details: Close Up in Class asks students to examine the evidence in their readings and use it to develop their own persuasive arguments.
• Integration and Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas: Students must analyze the reasoning on both sides of a central question to evaluate the strongest arguments.
• Comprehension and Collaboration: Close Up in Class helps teachers facilitate productive classroom discussions and collaborative deliberation on diverse viewpoints.

For more information about matching to standards, please visit our methodology page.

Rooted in Close Up’s experiential approach to civic learning, our resources are designed to move students from passively reading and processing facts about an issue to actively discussing, debating, and engaging with members of their community. All our materials are:

• Based on real-world debates and draw on the opinions of political leaders, activists, journalists, and other experts.
• Comprehensive, balanced, and always multipartisan in their approach to major issues facing policymakers.
• Easy to use and offer variety so teachers have the flexibility to integrate lessons into their curriculum as best fits their needs.

To learn more about Close Up’s unique approach to current issues and civic education, please visit our methodology page.

If you’re interested in learning more about Close Up’s resources, sign up for a free preview! You can also contact us at classroom@closeup.org if you have questions about a specific course, grade level, or topic.

• Current Issues Blog: Our free weekly blog frames major issues in the news to spark instant classroom discussions.
• Voter Registration & Elections: Make sure your voice is heard by registering to vote!
• Professional Development: Close Up offers professional development trainings for teachers on framing controversial issues, integrating classroom resources into the curriculum, media literacy, and community engaged classrooms.