Resolutions

Why use resolutions as a basis for classroom discussion?   

Adopting a resolution is an authentic action taken by elected officials at local, state, and national levels.  A resolution doesn't carry the force of law, but rather expresses the will or sentiment of the governing body on an issue.  The chief executive (governor, president) does not sign or take action on a resolution.  Resolutions don't contain the specific details that are required for a piece of legislations (like enforcement, funding, etc), and are stated in a simpler way.  The format of a resolutions provides some background information on the topic, a helpful way to authentically prepare students with some context on the issue.  

Early in the semester, use resolutions to introduce issues that help students explore their beliefs on key issues, especially those issues that are tied to shared values,  the purpose of government, constitutional issues, and issues that clarify partisan ideology.  Discussing resolutions helps keep the focus on the underlying issue, rather than the details of a policy proposal.  

Scaffolding Participation in Discussion of Resolutions

1. Be sure that your students all have access to background information on the issue.  In some cases they may be reasonably assumed to have enough background to state an opinion, in other cases you may need to provide information, or give them a chance to do some research.

2. Help students prepare for the discussion and practice using paired or small group discussion, and this  Issue Analysis Worksheet.   Even a quick "Think, Pair, Share" can be very supportive.  

3. Provide some sentence starters and support (to ALL students!).  Use this basic framework for stating an opinion and entering the conversation.

4. Early in the semester, choose issues that students already know something about, and that aren't too politically loaded.  For instance, a resolution on banning cell phones in school is a good place to start, rather than starting with banning abortion.  Progress towards more challenging issues as students gain confidence, trust in their peers, and skills in using civil dialogue.

Democracy Relies on Deliberation (not Debate)

Encourage students to approach class discussion from a problem solving perspective.  While we often use the word DEBATE to refer to these discussions, it's best to encourage a more collaborative approach.  

Deliberation involves exploring an issue, giving multiple perspective the best case, fair hearing, and seeking a solution that takes into account high quality, accurate information, and a variety of perspectives.   Deliberation can help build consensus, is based on a foundation of mutual respect, and may seek common ground and compromise.  Students should be encouraged to approach the deliberation with an open mind, and be willing to change their positions based on new information and persuasive arguments. 

Debate involves arguing for one position with the to goal of winning. It can create and perpetuate animosity and polarization, strengthening entrenched positions.  In a debate, people often try to "score points" rather than seeking to understand multiple ideas.  (See this TED talk on civility and debate )

Early in the semester, structure your discussion of resolutions as deliberations and teach students deliberation skills.  Consider using a structured format, like a Structured Academic Controversy, as the starting point to introduce deliberation- here are some simplified Deliberation Instructions and a Graphic Organizer.  Then continue to use a graphic organizer like this Issue Analysis Worksheet to support students in understanding both sides and preparing for the discussion.  Continue to emphasize the importance of understanding an issue before you take a position, and validate students who publicly change their opinions.  

Structure of a Resolution

Authored by: BROWN

Co-authored by: ULLMAN

Introduced by: ULLMAN

Date: SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

A RESOLUTION to increase the minimum wage to $15 in the state of Wisconsin. SUMMARY STATEMENT

WHEREAS, the federal minimum wage is $7.25; and. WHEREAS STATEMENTS (3-6) provide context for the resolution.  This is a chance to give students some relevant background information.  

WHEREAS, the federal minimum wage has not increased since 2008; and 

WHEREAS, the current value of $7.25 in 2008 dollars is $9.97, adjusting for inflation.

WHEREAS, Wisconsin is one of 20 states that have not adopted a minimum wage above the federal wage; and

WHEREAS, the current minimum wage of $7.25 is less than half of the living wage for a single individual, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology living wage calculator; and 

THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT, Wisconsin should increase the minimum wage to $15 and create a system of annual increases tied to inflation. RESOLUTION TEXT- this is what is being adopted, frame this as a "Should" statement since a resolution is not enacting a law, just making a statement. 

Tips for writing a resolutions:

1. Write 3-6 "Whereas" statements that provide context, including history, related data, etc.  

2. Create a clear "Therefore let it be resolved" statement that isn't overly complex, but gets to the heart of the issue. 

3.  During discussion, steer students away from the details of a proposal, and focus on the bigger picture issue.  Save the details for the bills that students write (and debate).   Resolutions you discuss in class could become bill topics.  

4. Be sure to frame some resolutions from a liberal perspective and others from a conservative perspective, to maintain neutrality.  

Resolution Template

Example of City Council Resolution (Ashland, WI)

Resolution Menu (for in class deliberations)

The document linked above contains a number of sample resolutions to choose from on a variety of topics.  A number of the resolutions also have background information and arguments for and and against an issue. This provides more opportunities for differentiation and to use time more efficiently. Keep in mind that early in the semester it is advisable to choose resolutions that are less emotionally charged, and that are an easy entry point for broad participation.  As students gain trust, and discussion skills they can also tackle more polarizing or challenging issues.