The Boise State Writing Project presents mini-conferences for K-13 educators on democracy building instruction

“Democracy Building Instruction through Document Based Inquiries:” a series of Boise State Writing Project “Fill Your Cup Up” mini-conferences for educators

How do we teach to meet our deepest commitments, hopes and values for ourselves, our students and society? Learn what Boise State Writing Project K-13 educators learned about “Democracy Building Instruction.” Experience insights, strategies and lessons using document-based guided inquiries (using primary sources, data and multimodal texts) focused on engaging students in respectful dialogue around contended issues of American history and culture. Participate in sessions led by teacher leaders and thinking partners from Idaho on teaching essential skills and dispositions to promote democracy. At the conference, you’ll also have an opportunity to engage in a “Narrative 4 Story Exchange” – a powerful strategy to promote curiosity, deep listening and social imagination in students.

What are document based inquiries?

Document based inquiries position students as citizen historians and social scientists who inquire about and socially construct their knowledge around complex and contended topics through the use of primary and secondary sources. Educators will present document based inquiries you can take into your classes on topics like, but not limited to:

• dealing with fake news/information pollution;
• how to memorialize the past American patriotism;
• book censorship;
• personal and community identity;
• managing implicit bias and microaggressions;
• media ethics;
• and sharing space with others.

Join us and learn. Choose from four free mini-conference sessions and earn professional credit and get swag.

Mini-conference dates

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lake City High School
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Saturday, March 4, 2023, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Yanke Center, Boise State University
Boise, Idaho

Friday, March 10, 2023, 5:30 – 9 p.m.
College of Southern Idaho
Twin Falls, Idaho

Saturday, March 11, 2023, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Rigby High School
Rigby, Idaho

Register for these mini-conferences online.

The National Writing Project sponsored these mini-conferences.