R English 4 Inquiry into Public Education Rachel Lenkei

November 12, 2013

Overview/Rationale: o This unit will further explore students opinions on Philadelphia Public Schools and the purpose of public education in the United States. The students will form a research question based on these topics and will investigate this question by using online resources, and by visiting Philadelphia public schools and interviewing people within the schools. Students will also practice research-based writing as they take the information they have gathered and write a formal, argumentative essay. Throughout this unit, students will develop and improve upon their research, writing, and critical thinking skills as they examine the current state of education in the U.S. and Philadelphia, and attempts at reform and innovation. Enduring Understandings: Essential Questions: o To be a well-informed citizen, one should have an understanding of different issues and events that are occurring in society o o What is the purpose of public education? What trends, patterns, and themes are evident throughout the history of public education? How is the Philadelphia Public School system addressing or not addressing students educational needs?

Objectives: o Students will be able to: Comprehend news articles from a variety of viewpoints Apply prior knowledge and information gained from research to a discussion Bring personal history and personal contexts into discussion Synthesize and analyze research through writing Materials: o Student laptops Procedures: o Tuesday: o Instruction: Students will share progress on drafting papers Answer any student questions Go over common errors: Sentences that begin Studies say . . . Many people argue . . . Research says . . and having no citation Identify your thesis (central argument) and make sure each body paragraph connects back to main statement Correct punctuation for quotes and citations ___________ (____). Proofread papers to check for grammar mistakes Review presentations and final reflection Presentations should use some sort of media (PowerPoint, posters) Should discuss: o Research question and follow-up/focus questions o Main findings from research o Information on neighborhood schools as related to research question Personal reflection should be 1-2 pages, typed, double spaced o Should include personal opinions on research question, reactions to research,

R English 4 Inquiry into Public Education Rachel Lenkei

November 12, 2013

any ideas for solutions or future implications, feelings on project as a whole Students will spend remainder of period working independently on laptops, continuing to work on drafts of paper with group members Walk around, meeting with each student to discuss writing progress o Homework: Continue to work on final paper to turn in the next day o Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Students will give presentations on their projects, 5-7 minutes each Students will be assessed based on content, clarity of information, use of visual media Students will fill out survey/questionnaire about the project Assessment: o Standards:
o o o o CC.1.2.11-12.E: Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the structure an author uses in his or her exposition or argument, including whether the structure makes points clear, convincing, and engaging. CC.1.2.11-12.G: Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats (e.g. visually, quantitatively) as well as in words in order to address a question or solve a problem. CC.1.2.11-12.L: Read and comprehend literary non-fiction and informational text on grade level, reading independently and proficiently. CC.1.5.11-12.A: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions on grades level topics, texts, and issues, building on others ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

Participation in class discussion, discussion with group members, paper rough draft

Reflections: