Sophomores Tackle Tough Issues in Policy Paper and Defense

Since 2013, the Sophomore Policy Defense at FWCD has stood as a hallmark of rigorous academic inquiry, pushing students to think critically about some of the important issues facing the nation and the world. Spearheaded by the History Department, the project challenges every 10th grade student to research, write and orally defend a public policy recommendation on a topic of personal interest.

Over two months, students crafted policy whitepapers – each up to 3,000 words – and presented their recommendations to faculty and staff members who served as “Secretaries” representing relevant government departments. These Secretaries reviewed each paper in advance, listened to the oral defense, posed probing questions, and completed detailed rubrics to assist the U.S. Government Teachers in evaluating student work.

On April 29, families, faculty and staff gathered across 16 classrooms in the Upper School for Sophomore Oral Defense Night. Without notes, each student spoke, showcasing the depth of their research and their ability to think on their feet and answer questions posed by the Secretaries.

This year's topics reflected the breadth of student interests and the complexity of current policy discussions. Students examined subjects such as veteran homelessness, food waste, dietary supplement regulation, the role of artificial intelligence in education, and health care access. Environmental and energy-related proposals included nuclear waste management, invasive species, land conservation, and alternative energy solutions.

Others focused on government operations and public infrastructure, from FEMA funding for earthquake sensors to transparency in federal agencies and improvements to aviation systems. Several students explored topics related to the justice system, such as prison reform, criminal justice disparities, and mental health care for veterans.

Economic and social policy areas included affordable housing, maternity and paternity leave, minimum wage standards, and small business support. Students also researched education funding, standardized testing, immigration, trade policy, and digital privacy in schools, offering thoughtful and well-researched policy recommendations.

The Sophomore Policy Defense remains a solid example of how FWCD empowers students to engage deeply with the world around them – and gives them the tools and confidence to become thoughtful, informed and persuasive citizens.