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Although integrating technology in the classroom is the main focus of this course, I became interested in a topic that is a current focus for just about all schools in Pennsylvania. Increasing students’ standardize test scores seems to be directing educational curriculum. The use of technology also plays a key role in this paradigm. For this class, I have chosen a topic which interested me because it makes use of technology, secondly, the ultimate goal is to increase standardized test scores, and thirdly it relates to the field of Social Studies education.
My problem statement:
I plan to determine if implementing a civic education program throughout the entire school year will help increase high school students’ writing scores on standardized tests.
Who: High school students.
What: Implementing a civic education program in the curriculum.
Why: To evaluate the students’ scores on standardized tests.
I am looking for help from my peers in brainstorming questions or thoughts for this problem as it is not too late to alter, or even go in a different direction. The reason for my interest in this topic lies with my interest in Social Studies and the wealth of information provided through the use of technology in the classroom.
The well being of any democratic society largely depends on its ability to instill in youth the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for active, informed citizenship. I am not investigating (nor promoting) a program that indoctrinates, but rather, informs students. There are several programs sponsored by the state governments, professional educational organizations, and other corporate professionals that supply a district with materials, and sponsored activities. These programs range from Mock Trials, Constitution Day, Conflict Mediation, and the like. They are usually integrated throughout the entire district from 1st grade through graduation and are integrated primarily in Social Studies, but by design, develop cross curricular into language arts. By teaching students the process of a government, teaching what the Bill of Rights means to them, conducting debates, researching court cases, the students develop a broader understanding of their role in society, not just parroting responses from talk radio or news shows. Students would have to learn to read and analyze newspaper, magazine, and professional journals. They would learn to write opinion editorials, persuasive, and informative essays. Create blogs to reflect on, interact with, and provide information to the community beyond the classroom. Most of the programs I have seen thus far are focused in developing students’ community awareness and involvement.
Seven Mind Mapping Tools to Try This Year
2 years ago
Virg,
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of the civic educational program. Are you going to look at one or two specifically? I like the idea of having the kids debate. They really need to understand the problem from both points of view to debate. Creating blogs could do the same thing. I'm pretty sure you could find research on this topic, although this is something I'm just starting to learn how to do again. Good luck with your project!
I will probably look at one program which applies several methods throughout the school year. There are different areas of content to focus on with the manifest function to promote knowledge and citizenship skills in a democratic society. However the latent function seems to be a rather marked increase in reading and writing skills on standardized tests. The programs are not limited to Pennsylvania, but since I live here, I thought it might be interesting to see if there have been any schools use the programs. There are a number of schools who do so and have caught the attention of academic groups such as the Pennsylvania Council for Social Studies where I will be presenting a lesson on using Social Networking in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI am not familiar with the format of standardized test in Pennsylvania. Are students ultimately required to write editorials and persuasive and informational essays on these tests? My only question is whether the standardized tests in your state would be the correct measure for the success of your civic education program.
ReplyDeletePennsylvania employs a standardized exam to measure reading and math skills and with grades 5, 8, and 11 also assessing writing skills. I think there can be a dual approach to the program as it is applied to the 7th and 10th grade. We could assess the value of it for student interaction to civic duty, but I would prefer to see if it would increase the students reading and writing scores because so much of the program involves student development in these areas. You hit the nail on the head when you asked if they would be required to write persuasive, informative, and editorial essays. The program has several areas where these skills can be prompted and placed on display. Student accountablility is at a premium with the program as students are a part of a group effort or are entered into competitions, debates, and mock trials.
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