Immigration:  Justice for All?

 

Mrs. Buitrago

Ditmas IS 62

6^th Grade - ELA

 

Introduction:

 

The United States is defined by the many immigrants who built the country.  In order for people from foreign places to want to come here, they must have had high expectations and a clear vision of success.  However, are immigrants in this country successful? Think about the issues that immigrant students face in this country.  There are language barriers, economic difficulties, and other factors that might serve as obstacles for many.  In the literature books we are reading, the characters are migrating to the US for various reasons.  Will they live the American dream that they hoped for? What can be done to lower the dropout rates?

Problem: Immigrant students have high dropout rates across the US. 

 

 

Task:

In literature groups, you are going to write a 5 paragraph analysis that discusses the six steps of the Public Policy Analyst regarding the problem of the High dropout rate of immigrant students in the US.  In order to do this, you must use the hyperlinks attached to read research. 

Use the research provided and details from text to make informed predictions and outcomes.

 

 

Process:

1.     Students will meet with their literature groups

2.     Review and discuss the PPA model.  “Stop and talk” about the findings

3.     Click on the hyperlinks for additional research on dropout rates across America to gather information

http://nces.ed.gov/pubs/dp95/97473-4.asp

http://www.childtrends.org/?indicators=high-school-

4.     The following hyperlinks consist of current policies in place:

http://www.psea.org/uploadedFiles/LegislationAndPolitics/Vision/Vision_ReduceDropoutRate.pdf

http://www.aypf.org/documents/renniecenter_25.pdf

 

5.     In groups, write a 5 paragraph essay.  Introduce the topic first.  Body A should provide information about immigration and the dropout rates amongst teens.  Body B & C should focus on policies that should be put in place to help ensure that more teens do not drop out of school.  Which policy is cost-effective with reliable results?

 

6.     Each group should submit 1 essay

There is a lot of information presented in the articles provided. Your group must choose information carefully.  Included in the essay (conclusion) must be policies that your group feels will help lower the dropout rates and provide success for future teens across the United States.

Any information that you use in the essay must be summarized.  Click on the following links to help you organize your ideas.

Public Policy Analyst (PPA):

a.     Define the Problem

b.     Gather the Evidence

c.      Identify the Causes

d.     Evaluate an Existing Policy

e.     Develop Solutions

f.       Select the Best Solution

 

 

Evaluation: 

You will be graded using the following rubric:

 

 

Conclusion: 

All immigrant students deserve the same opportunities as those who were born in America.  Policies that are in place help, but more can be done. 

By completing this WebQuest, you have completed the steps of the PPA.  You have researched multiple policies put in place and made connections to text.  Your essay will reflect the work discussed in your groups and well as new information.

 

 

ELA Common Core Standards:

R.L.6.1 – Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

R.I.6.3 – Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text.

W.6.2 – Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts

W.6.6 – Use technology, including the internet, to produce and publish writing as well as collaborate with others

SL.6.1 – Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions

SL.6.4 – Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions

L.6.1 – Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

SS:

RH.6-8.1

WHST.6-8.2