-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Gast
Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2004 12:29 PM
To: Mike Mooko
Subject: Anchor Project, Social Studies

 

Social Studies Department

U.S. History Anchor Project

 

The proposed anchor project is a position paper, allowing students to choose an issue or topic in 20^th century American history, defining both sides of the issue,citing sources to compare and contrast the differing sides, and concluding by taking a position and adequately supporting that position.  The Social Studies Department will require that the paper be historically accurate, and will grade the paper based on content and use the English Department’s standards for and 11^th grade term paper.

 

In order to introduce the assignment, students will first spend ample time understanding what an issue is, learn how to define both sides of an issue, and then use relevant sources to defend that position.  Before the paper is assigned, students will undertake a journal book assignment.  In this assignment, students will be required to select a topic guided by the teacher.  The student will hand write two pages on an issue, explaining it and then write their opinion on the issue (not using any sources, just their opinion).  That will be turned in for grading.  After students master this technique, it will be assigned for the students to then locate substantiating proof of their position through research.  They will be required to find 5 examples to prove their case, and then find 5 examples to disprove their stance.  This assignment should take about 2 weeks to fully complete.  When students have mastered this skill, the teacher will assign and begin the position paper assignment. 

 

The position paper will require drafts due previous to the final project.  Rubric used for final grading is listed below.

 

Rubric for Grading U.S. History Position Paper or Anchor Project

 

6                    Clear and consistent; well organized, fully developed.  Clearly states both sides of an issue and thoroughly presents strong arguments for one side using credible sources.  Uses at least 10 examples/quotes from credible sources

 

5                    Reasonably consistent competence, though it will have occasional errors or lapses in quality.  Generally organized and adequately developed, using sources to discuss issues, a position, and thoroughly explains it.  Uses at least 8 examples/quotes from credible sources.

 

4                    Adequate competence with occasional errors and lapses in quality.  Organized and somewhat developed, using somewhat inconsistent examples to support ideas.  Uses at least 5 examples/quotes from credible sources.

 

3                    Developing competence inadequately organized or developed.  Uses inappropriate or inconsistent examples.  Uses at least 4 examples/quotes from credible sources.

 

2                    Some incompetence; poorly organized; thin development.  Uses little or inappropriate details to support ideas.  Uses at least 3 examples/quotes from credible sources.

 

1                    Incompetent; very poorly organized and very thin development.  Lacks detail to support ideas; minimal presentation of issues.  Uses less than 3 examples/quotes from credible sources.