In her upper school intensive writing class, English teacher Ms. Grant is pushing students to evaluate the roots of a complex conflict in order to improve persuasive writing skills. Students viewed the PBS Series, “Race: the Power of an Illusion,” and evaluated how racial constructs were formed. Students are currently writing persuasive essays on whether or not race still matters and plays an important role in the modern world. Grant notes that in order to resolve a conflict, students must understand the root causes of it. Ms. Grant is currently doing a master’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, and is learning about the narratives and histories of conflicts.