Meeting Common Core Standards
Since 1988, our curriculum units have helped students develop the competencies now required in the Common Core. Our materials have always stressed critical thinking, multiple perspectives, and textual analysis. In addition, Choices materials represent an excellent way for social studies teachers to work with ELA educators on Speaking and Listening Standards and Writing Standards.
Download Choices and Common Core
In this pdf we document how our role-play activity, common to all Choices units, aligns with Common Core Standards. We also align Common Core Standards with all lessons provided in a representative current issues unit and a representative historical turning point unit.
Snapshot of Choices and Common Core
Below we explain how two representative lessons address Common Core Standards. Since a role play activity is found at the center of all Choices units, we also provide detail on how one component of this activity addresses Common Core Standards.
Please download the entire Choices and Common Core document for complete information on all lessons in the sample units and all components of the role play.
Role-Play Activity
During a role play, small groups of students make an argument for why their assigned option is the best one to pursue. Each group presentation lasts from 3-10 minutes, and often includes a visual representation of the option. Once all groups have presented their option, the class enters into a deliberative dialogue on the merits and drawbacks of each option. This dialogue sets the stage for the final part of the role play in which students articulate their own views. During the role play and the discussion, students meet the following Common Core Standards:
RH.11-12.1.
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, connecting insights gained from specific details to an understanding of the text as a whole.
RH.11-12.2.
Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary that makes clear the relationships among the key details and ideas.
RH.11-12.3.
Evaluate various explanations for actions or events and determine which explanation best accords with textual evidence, acknowledging where the text leaves matters uncertain.
RH 11-12.7.
Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, as well as in words) in order to address a question or solve a problem.
RH.11-12.8.
Evaluate an author’s premises, claims, and evidence by corroborating or challenging them with other information.
W.11-12.1.
Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
SL.11-12.1.
Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
SL.11-12.2.
Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.
The Cold War and Soviet Invasion
A lesson from The United States in Afghanistan
The Cold War and Soviet Invasion has students analyze an exchange of letters between U.S. President Carter and Soviet Premier Brezhnev. This lesson helps students meet the following :
RH.11-12.1.
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, connecting insights gained from specific details to an understanding of the text as a whole.
RH.11-12.2.
Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary that makes clear the relationships among the key details and ideas.
RH.11-12.3.
Evaluate various explanations for actions or events and determine which explanation best accords with textual evidence, acknowledging where the text leaves matters uncertain.
RH.11-12.4.
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including analyzing how an author uses and refines the meaning of a key term over the course of a text.
RH.11-12.6.
Evaluate authors’ differing points of view on the same historical event or issue by assessing the authors’ claims, reasoning, and evidence.
Iranian Oil Nationalization
A lesson from Iran Through the Looking Glass: History, Reform, and Revolution
In Iranian Oil Nationalization, students explore points of view of the parties involved in the oil nationalization movement - the National Front, the Shah, Great Britain, and the U.S. - and make an oral presentation expressing the interests of their assigned party. Students must be able to analyze competing claims.
SL.11-12.1.
Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
SL.11-12.2.
Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.
SL.11-12.3.
Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, assessing the stance, premises, links among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone used.
SL.11-12.4.
Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.
RH.11-12.1.
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, connecting insights gained from specific details to an understanding of the text as a whole.
RH.11-12.2.
Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary that makes clear the relationships among the key details and ideas.
RH.11-12.3.
Evaluate various explanations for actions or events and determine which explanation best accords with textual evidence, acknowledging where the text leaves matters uncertain.
RH.11-12.4.
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including analyzing how an author uses and refines the meaning of a key term over the course of a text.
RH.11-12.5.
Analyze in detail how a complex primary source is structured, including how key sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text contribute to the whole.
RH.11-12.6.
Evaluate authors’ differing points of view on the same historical event or issue by assessing the authors’ claims, reasoning, and evidence.
RH.11-12.7.
Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, as well as in words) in order to address a question or solve a problem.
RH.11-12.8.
Evaluate an author’s premises, claims, and evidence by corroborating or challenging them with other information.
RH.11-12.9.
Integrate information from diverse sources, both primary and secondary, into a coherent understanding of an idea or event, noting discrepancies among sources.