Assignment
Locate a social studies textbook used in a classroom today. Analyze its contents in the following areas:
1. Topics covered in comparison to the definition of social studies;
2. Authentic activities beyond simply reading the chapters and answering the questions;
3. Integration of other subject areas (art, writing, math);
4. Assessments, both formal and authentic; and
5. Opportunities for content reading strategies and comprehension (reciprocal teaching, vocabulary, photos with captions, headings, etc.)
Write an essay of 750-1,000 words with your findings and suggestions for making the text accessible to all learners, including English language learners, special education students, and struggling readers.
Research a minimum of 4-5 peer-reviewed articles that can be used in support of your content.
Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines
Extra details to help with assignment
Components within the essay:
1. Consider which elements of social studies your state places emphasis. Also, consider which elements of social studies the selected textbook highlights. The point here is to discover bias and/or gaps between the textbook and state standards.
2. Consider learning experiences the text uses to emphasize key points. Are there any activities students perform, create, and/or defend as part of the learning?
3. Consider the integration we have been discussing so far in class. How are other content areas woven in with the social study components? What are the themes that emerge?
4. How does the text support the teacher with assessing students? When you read ‘authentic', I want you to think of formative assessments (checking for understanding).
5. How does the book come alive for young readers? Remember, the book must connect with the interests of elementary readers. This is important as you (as teacher) will supplement dry text with self-created learning experiences. If the text already has this component, it will make your life much easier.
A major function of the essay is to respond to these five points AND SUGGESTIONS for making the text accessible for all learners. Thus, your outside resources could include statistics of reading levels/types in the elementary grades, how teachers connect course material/textbooks with pedagogy, and/or Response to Intervention (RtI) reading levels (to name a few options).