Choices curriculum units are available in two formats: print and web-based Digital Editions. Our Deluxe format includes both a print copy and a two-year individual teacher Digital Editions license.
In whatever format you choose, Choices Program curriculum units contain student readings, study guides and graphic organizers, lesson plans, and short videos. In the print format, these are organized into a Student Text and a Teacher Resource Book. In Digital Editions, these resources are organized into Parts.
Student Readings
Student readings are usually the equivalent of about 45 to 60 pages for each curriculum unit. These readings reflect up-to-date historiography and aim to tell an inclusive, responsible history. They are written by the Choices Program’s curriculum developers and reviewed by scholars.
The readings include primary source excerpts, images, maps, and vocabulary definitions, all designed to help students understand more fully the material they are reading. Timelines or charts are often included. In Digital Editions, video content produced by the Choices Program is fully integrated into the readings.
To assess students comprehension of the readings, multiple study guides (differentiated by levels) and graphic organizers are included. In Digital Editions, these are available in Google Doc and Word formats.
Study Guides and Graphic Organizers
To assess student comprehension of the readings, multiple study guides (differentiated by levels) and graphic organizers are included. In Digital Editions, these are available in Google Doc and Word formats.
Lessons
Curriculum units also contain several lessons. Each lesson is designed to support students in developing the skills necessary for historical thinking and critical analysis of contested issues. Lessons include objectives and step-by-step instructions.
Most Choices Program curriculum units contain 5 to 9 lessons and can take up to ten or more class periods to complete if all the readings and lessons are used. However, the units are flexible. Teachers can select which readings and activities are most useful for their students and utilize those that closely correspond to the objectives of their classes.
Videos
Units include accompanying short, accessible videos produced by the Choices Program that feature scholars, practitioners, journalists, and others answering key questions about a topic. These videos can be used to complement the student readings and accompanying lessons. Our entire video collection of more than 1,800 videos is available to anyone for free on our website and are embedded in our Digital Editions platform. The videos are closed captioned.