Girls vs. Boys

In NYC Specialized Public High Schools

 

The High School for Math, Science & Engineering @ CCNY

Model United Nations Club

 

Advisors: Ms. Florian & Ms. Boylan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


1. Introduction/Scenario

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Chancellor Joel Klein announced expanding educational opportunities in New York City’s gifted and talented program to include new schools and programs in Staten Island.  Staten Island is currently the only Borough without a specialized school.  The Mayor and the Chancellor are dedicated to providing opportunities to more of NYC’s youth.  This new specialized school would also draw from the pool of students sitting for the existing Specialized High Schools Admission Test.  The Mayor and the Chancellor are, however, concerned over the lower percentage of girls than boys attending the specialized public schools in NYC and are tackling the problem of increased access to the specialized schools for girls.

 

 

2. Task

You are an educational public policy analyst that has been hired by the City of New York to be part of a team who will research, analyze, and propose new public policy with the goal of increased access to and interest in specialized education for girls. 

 

Your group will write a one page, single-spaced policy paper proposal to be submitted and reviewed at a mock New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) meeting in which you have been placed on the agenda.  The faculty and staff who represent members of the NYCDOE, including the Mayor and the Chancellor, will have time to review your paper and then you will be given ten minutes to make a presentation in a format of your choice with five minutes to answer questions.  Ultimately the faculty and staff who represent members of the NYCDOE, including the Mayor and Chancellor, will choose a proposal.  This proposal will be sent to the appropriate NYCDOE office.

 

 

3. Process

In order to complete your task, you and your group (groups and roles will be assigned by your teacher with input from students) need to first become public policy analysts and go through the following six steps, which will give you the foundational information required to write a policy paper and create your presentation.

 

Roles Defined

 

·        Project Manager – Maintains forward direction for group and edits all written products and presentation.  Ensures that the group meets its deadlines.

 

·        Notetaker / Worksheet Writer – keep record of the group’s activities and complete research development worksheets.

 

·        Policy Paper Writer – works closely with all members to put the group’s ideas and research into a cohesive paper. 

 

·        Research Coordinator - collects information from group members and keeps it organized.

 

·        Presenters (2) –creates presentation and presents information.

 

Research

Step 1. Define the Problem

Step 2. Gather Evidence

Step 3. Identify Causes

 

Analysis

Step 4. Evaluate a Policy

Step 5. Develop Solutions

Step 6. Select Best Solutions

 

Policy Paper Proposal

Make your research relevant:  propose policy for consideration!  The writing process for proposals and policy papers is not rigid and can be adapted to your group's particular needs.  The Foundation Center website offers an on-line short course for proposal writing.  Once you have written your policy paper you will submit it to your teachers to be copied and distributed to the "NYCDOE Meeting Chair" for distribution.

 

Presentation

You may choose the format for your presentation.  You may create a pamphlet, use photos or film, create a PowerPoint presentation, a role play, or invite a powerful speaker to contribute to your presentation.  You must be prepared to answer questions on the topic.

 

 

4. Resources

Make sure to track and cite resources!

 

Some resources to help you with your research:

 

New York City Department of Education

This site provides general statistical information on NYC’s public schools.  You will have to do a specific school search to find any specialized schools.

 

NYTimes Bloomberg article

 

Gender Gap Issues

http://ed.stanford.edu/suse/news-bureau/displayRecord.php?tablename=notify1&id=371

http://www.aboutourkids.org/aboutour/articles/giftedgirls.html

http://www.fairtest.org/facts/satfact.htm

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0838/is_2002_Nov-Dec/ai_100807177

http://emlab.berkeley.edu/users/emiguel/Forbes-Cash-Talks_24nov03.htm

http://cie.asu.edu/volume8/number9/

 

Search Engines

http://www.refdesk.com

http://www.askanexpert.com

http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/fil/ (search filamentality)

 

Web-survey Generator

Opinionpower.com is a free on-line survey generator.  If, during your research, you decide to survey people this is an excellent option for creation and distribution.

 

 

5. The Evaluation

 

Policy Paper Rubric

 

Category

4

3

2

1

Thesis

Easily identifiable, clear thesis

Identifiable, clear thesis

Vague or unclear thesis

No clear thesis statement

Research

Accurate and adequate research that was used to convinced reader to support your  thesis

Accurate and adequate research information used to support thesis

Weak research information and points used to support thesis 

Much or most research information is  inaccurate or incomplete

Content (support for proposed policy)

All ideas are clearly written and flow logically to support/prove thesis

All ideas are clearly written; some ideas may not support / prove thesis appropriately

Ideas show a weak structure and do not flow smoothly

Little, if any, development of supporting ideas

Transitions

Connecting and logical transitions to support your thesis

Clear and connecting transitions

Few words connect paragraphs

No transitions present

Conventions

Sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation demonstrate proficiency of mechanics; minimal or no spelling errors

Sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation demonstrate an adequate understanding of mechanics; infrequent, minor errors in spelling

Sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation demonstrate a basic under-standing of mechanics; frequent minor errors in spelling

Sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation show frequent  errors; Frequent misspelling of commonly used words

 

Oral Presentation Rubric

 

Category

4

3

2

1

Content

Shows a full understanding of the topic and uses many textual examples.

Shows a good understanding of the topic and uses some textual examples.

Shows a good understanding of parts of the topic and uses few textual examples.

Does not seem to understand the topic very well.

Props / Presentation Medium

Student uses several props that show considerable work/creativity and which make the presentation better.

Student uses 1 prop that shows considerable work/creativity and which make the presentation better.

Student uses 1 prop which makes the presentation better.

The student uses no props OR the props chosen detract from the presentation.

Speaks Clearly

Speaks clearly and distinctly all the time, and mispronounces no words.

Speaks clearly and distinctly all the time, but mispronounces one word.

Speaks clearly and distinctly most of the time. Mispronounces a few words.

Often mumbles or can not be understood OR mispronounces many words.

 

Individual Rubric

 

Category

4

3

2

1

Individual Work in a Team

Almost always listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group. Tries to keep people working well together.

Usually listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group. Does not cause "waves" in the group.

Often listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group but sometimes is not a good team member.

Rarely listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group. Often is not a good team member.

 

 

6. The Standards

This WebQuest adheres to the NYS ELA STANDARD 4 and NYS SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARD 5

 

 

7. The Conclusion

Make your voice heard and submit your educational proposal to the Mayor and the Chancellor.  You may also modify your proposal and send it to an elected official.  This project marks the beginning of your training to represent the High School for Math, Science & Engineering as a Model United Nations Delegate.  At a conference, it is MOST important for you to understand your issue.  One of the unique things about Model United Nations is that there are fewer restrictions to policy than in “real life”.  Be creative and smart with your choices.  Push the diplomatic and political envelope as you attempt to solve problems the way you want to!