Choices Curriculum Units from
the Choices Program
Grade level: 9-12
Promising Approaches
- Instruction
in Government, History, Law and Democracy
- Guided
Discussions of Issues and Current Events
- Simulations
of Democratic Processes
Overview
Special Features
Civic Learning Goals
Evaluation Studies
Required Resources
Available Resources
Professional Development Opportunities
Contact Information
Overview
Choices
curriculum materials are used in a range of courses including U.S. history, world history, global
studies, and government. Teachers choose the unit that aligns with their
curriculum plan. The Choices materials
include extensive background readings and a role-play or simulation exercise
that encourages students to apply their knowledge in an authentic setting.
Curricular
materials incorporate the latest scholarship to make connections between
historical events and contemporary global issues. At the heart of each unit is
a range of contrasting policy options. By exploring a spectrum of alternatives,
students are better able to articulate their own views on pressing
international issues.
Building
on its current work in civic and international education, the Choices Program
is collaborating with the state departments of education and key civic and
international education organizations in Indiana
and Maine on
a three-year initiative to build links between educators focused on civic
learning and those focused on international affairs. Working together and
drawing on curriculum
resources that are content-rich and that include authentic
decision-making experiences, these organizations seek to join international and
civic education and integrate this into the core curriculum in these states. In
addition, they will articulate this as a potential model for use by other
states interested in integrating civic and international education within the
core social studies curriculum.
Special Features
The deliberation process the students
engage in is at the heart of every unit. Students are challenged to understand
multiple perspectives, not debate them. The fact that they are randomly
"assigned" an option or future in the curriculum units means they must learn
that perspective in depth. Later in the lesson they are asked to articulate
their own feelings by writing a "Future 5" or their own option.
Civic
Learning Goals
Civic
Knowledge
- Key
historical periods, episodes, themes, and experiences of individuals and groups
- Key
principles, documents, and ideas essential to constitutional democracy
- Structures,
processes, functions, branches, and levels of U.S. government and legal system
- Social
and political networks for making change, such as voluntary associations or
local organizing
Civic
Skills
- Critical
thinking, active listening, analyzing public policies, problems and assets, and
understanding multiple perspectives
- Communicating
one's position through writing or speaking
Civic
Dispositions
- Developing
tolerance, respect, and appreciation of difference
- Developing
concern with the rights and welfare of others
- Developing
a belief in one's ability to make a difference
- Developing
attentiveness to civic matters and a desire to become involved in
the civic life of the community
Evaluation
Studies
In addition to formative internal evaluation throughout the project, an extensive
external research study is being launched to measure the immediate and
longer-term impact that classroom deliberation concerning international issues
has on students' knowledge, civic skills, and participative dispositions. At
the conclusion of the project, a report will be developed and disseminated to
decision-makers in state departments of education, state legislatures, state
and national educational organizations, professional networks, and the media in
the participating states and nationally. Longitudinal data will continue to be
collected after the three-year grant period.
Required
Resources
Choices curriculum units, available at www. choices.edu
Available
Resources
http://www.kidsconsortium.org
http://www.choices.edu for curriculum units and
"Teaching with the News" free downloadable materials
Professional
Development Opportunities
KIDS Consortium offers several professional development
opportunities throughout the year. Check our website or go to the Choices
website (NB: the Choices site may not list a comprehensive list of
opportunities in Maine but will list opportunities throughout the country)
Contact Information
Barbara Fiore
KIDS Consortium
215Lisbon Street, Suite 12
Lewiston, ME 04240
Phone 207-784-0956
bfiore@kidsconsortium.org
http://www.kidsconsortium.org
Choices for the 21st Century Education Program
Box 1948Brown University
Providence,RI02912
401-863-3155
email:choices@brown.edu
www.choices.edu
