Isaac J. Gourdine Middle – Deliberate Talk

Mar 2026 · 2nd Semester

This elective course will provide systematic strategies to increase critical thinking skills for deliberation in the classroom. Students will develop public speaking skills through a variety of classroom simulations for meaningful discussion about current information. The simulations include targeted content which provide students the opportunity to develop the art of asking the “right” questions, deliberating with reason, obtaining useful data as it relates to the real issues to formulate an informed point of view. Textbook(s): Open source online materials for simulation. Student Government Association 101 (Year One Middle School) Course Code: 250413 Prerequisites: None Credits: 1.0 This introductory middle school course for SGA will focus on establishing a school-wide student government organization/council. It should include an SGA orientation, overview of the SGA election process, drafting a constitution, effective communication, teambuilding, writing proposals, activity planning and the student’s role and responsibility in improving school life and climate. Textbook(s): None Student Government Association 102 (Year Two Middle School) Course Code: 250423 Prerequisites: None Credits: 1.0 This course will continue an examination of the core activities and elements of SGA 101 and student involvement in the political arena. Students will see themselves as school leaders and actively examine their role as a leader. Students will also be exposed to and participate with the umbrella organizations of the school-based SGA (PGRASG, MASC and NASC) and their role in the county, state and national student council organizations. An emphasis will be placed on lobby techniques, resolution writing and parliamentary procedure. Textbook(s): None