Lack of English-Speaking Children in New York City

 

 

Ms. Kreichman

PS 321

Mirabel School for Law and Journalism

 

 

Introduction

The current lack of English speaking children in New York City has become a controversial topic among parents, educators and lawmakers. Many children are new immigrants with non-English speaking parents and have a difficult time assimilating. Other children live in communities where English is not often spoken. Some parents want children to have a Bi-lingual education, others insist children speak only English in school and others may not think learning English is important at all.

 

Some politicians and parents say bilingual education programs are too expensive and not fair to kids who speak languages that don’t have bi-lingual programs. As members of Mayor Bloomberg’s Educational Task Force you must research the issues and provide solutions to the problems that affect Children English language learners in New York City.

 

 

Task

Your task is to write a special report and create a PowerPoint presentation based on your findings. Your report will answer many questions that social policy makers need in order to solve these problems. What are the alternatives to bilingual education? Is learning English important for Children who live in New York City? Does Bilingual Education work? Which is more effective ESL, or Bilingual education?

 

Upon completion of your research, you will submit a 2 to 3 page research report and create a PowerPoint presentation.

 

Your teacher will assigned you to group and each person in the group will be assigned a role. Depending on class size and interest more than one person may assume the same role and some of you may be asked to take on more than one role.

 

 

Upon completion of your research, you will submit a 2 to 3 page research report and create a PowerPoint presentation.

 

Your teacher will assigned you to group and each person in the group will be assigned a role. Depending on class size and interest more than one person may assume the same role and some of you may be asked to take on more than one role.

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Roles

 

Researcher- Gather data and information from the internet, libraries and people regarding your subject.

 

 

Writer- You are responsible for working with the researcher to compiling research created a proofed and edited report and bibliography.

 

Presenter - Will work with Powerpoint Designer/Tech Support person to learn and practice using Powerpoint and presenting the final PowerPoint to the class and other observers.

 

Tech Support/Designer - Will learn or understand PowerPoint program in order to design final PowerPoint presentation. Assist researcher, presenter and writer in using software (PowerPoint, Microsoft word, internet explorer) to complete their tasks.

 

Number Cruncher/Graph maker - Gather statistical information from researcher and use this data to create graphs and or charts.

 

Project Manager/Teacher Liaison – Acts as the team leader, keeping the team on task, act as team time-keeper.  Report team progress questions and concerns to the teacher.  Lead team discussions and act as a mediator.

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                         

                                                                                                          

 

                                                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Process

 

1. Working in groups of four or five, you will explore the issues surrounding children English language learners and possible solutions to these problems. You must use the websites provided below. Also, you may use books, magazines, and interviews with parents, kids and politicians. Do not limit your focus to the point of view of the Hispanic community; include other ethnic groups and neighborhoods in your research.

 

2. Using the websites provided in the Resources section below, summarize your research on the following Worksheets:

Worksheet 1: Defining the Social Problem

Worksheet 2: Gathering evidence of the problem

Worksheet 3: Identifying the causes of the problem

Worksheet 4: Evaluating existing public policies

Worksheet 5: Developing public policy solutions

Worksheet 6: Selecting the best public policy solution

 

3. Using the research you have gathered and the ideas you have developed, write a 2-3 page research report on non English speaking children in New York.  The report should include a description of the problem (definition, evidence, causes) and of the solution (existing public policies and your own original policy solutions).  The report should be written on a computer in a 12 point font. And should be no less than 2, but no longer than 3 typed double spaced pages. Be sure to include a bibliography of all sources used.

 

4. Your group will give a PowerPoint presentation based on the research (as outlined on the 6 Worksheet 6 above) paper. You should have no less than 10 but no more than 15 slides and the presentation should last no more than 10 minutes. Remember to limit slides to the key points only.

 

 

Resources

 

Rubrics

 

 

Research Paper

 

 

3

 

2

 

1

 

Content

 

Writing shows in-depth analysis of teen violence and offers insightful proposals according to the Public Policy Analysis methodology.

 

Writing shows basic understanding and analysis of teen violence and offers adequate solutions.  It briefly addresses each of the steps of the PPA.

 

Writing shows summarization of the research information.  It may contain vague references to the steps of Public Policy Analysis. 

 

Structure

and Organization

 

Writing is generally well organized according to definite plans.  Topics or ideas generally clear.

Typically clear beginnings and ends.

Most transitions smooth and logical.

Details generally varied and vivid. 

 

Controlling topics, ideas, or overall plans always present but do not always focus the writing.  Endings may sometimes be awkward or abrupt.

Transitions are typically logical but may on occasion lack depth and/or direct relevance.

 

Topics or overall plans may not be clearly present.

Possible digressions or elaborations confusing to reader.

Beginnings and endings may be awkward or abrupt.

Key elements may be unevenly developed or omitted.

Details used inconsistently.

 

Style

 

Sound reasoning. Clear position. Opinions thoughtfully supported. Credible evidence.  Avoids exaggeration.

Compelling arguments. Fact/opinion distinguished. Conclusions well-grounded.

Displays evidence to advantage. Believable and defensible. Convincing.

 

Few surprises. Predictable, well-worn arguments. Credible but limited support. Acceptable, knowledge as evidence. Fact/opinion sometimes overlap.

 

Minimal content.  Unsupported statements.  Weak, questionable evidence. Position weak/unclear/shifting. Overly reliant on repetition and exaggeration.

 

 

PowerPoint Presentation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All aspects of the PPA analysis are present within the presentation.

 

Each slide is readable, contains only pertinent information

 

Few examples of creative effort. Credible but limited arguments and facts. Facts and opinions sometimes overlap.

 

 

Font and color is moderately readable, too much information is contained on each slide

 

Minimal content.  Unsupported statements.  Weak, questionable evidence. Position weak/unclear/shifting. Tendency to rely on repetition and exaggeration.

 

 

Font and color hinder readability, each slide is too wordy or repeats what is contained in the report verbatim

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


This WebQuest addresses the following New York State ELA Standards:

New York State Performance Standards in English

E1c.      Read and comprehend informational materials.

E2a.     Produce a paper on information and observations.

E3b.     Participation in group meetings.

E3c.      Prepare and deliver an individual presentation.

E4b.     Analyze and subsequently revise work to improve its clarity and effectiveness.