Students and Staff in Danger!

NYC Public Schools Students and Staff are Forced to Come to School in Dangerous Weather Conditions

 

A WebQuest by Mrs. Grady – Ditmas IS62

 

Introduction:

Are you sick of trekking to school in dangerous weather conditions? You and your classmates have been selected to serve on a special committee. You will analyze the current policy on the conditions necessary to close school in cases of severe weather.  You will come up with several alternative policies, and choose the most effective and feasible policy.  You will then create a power point presentation about your best policy as well as an argument essay to be submitted to NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio and Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina.

 

Task:

You will create a power point presentation outlining the steps that The Public Policy Analyst uses to identify and alleviate problems in our society and the undesirable social conditions that result from it.  You will use the format of argument writing.  Your work will be judged by the rubrics in the evaluation section below.  Please read them carefully to make sure you understand how your work will be judged.

 

Process:

Each team will consist of four members.  Each team member is responsible for reading and evaluating two articles from the resource section below.  Use your argument writing graphic organizer to take notes and outline your argument strategy based on the evidence presented in the article.  Make sure you consider whether the author has a bias and include a counterclaim.  You will all work together to complete each step and write the paper to be submitted and the power point presentation.

You will begin with the Six Steps of the Public Policy Analyst Model:  Follow the links to access and complete the worksheet for each step.

1)               What is the problem?

 

http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/select.html

 

2)                Where is the evidence?

 

http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/gather.html

 

3)                What are the causes?

 

http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/identify.html

 

4)                What is the existing policy?

 

http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/existing.html

 

5)               What policies can you create to correct the problem?

 

      http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/solutions.html

 

6)               What is the best policy to correct the problem?

 

http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/bestsol.html

 

 

Resources:  Here are some hyperlinks to recent articles from different media sources that will be useful to you in your analysis.  Use the following graphic organizer to evaluate each article.

 

Sources:

·        http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/02/13/uft-criticizes-decision-to-keep-nyc-public-schools-open-during-winter-storm/

·        http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local/new_york&id=9429997

·        http://nypost.com/2014/02/13/parents-enraged-as-schools-stay-open-during-dangerous-blizzard/

·        http://www.wnyc.org/story/nonstop-winter-weather-brings-repeated-watch-snow-day/

·        http://www.nextnewdeal.net/new-guard/snowed-under-when-keeping-schools-open-puts-low-income-students-further-behind

·        http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/14/nyregion/for-mayor-keeping-schools-open-brings-another-headache.html?_r=0

·        http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/city-parents-angry-schools-open-snowstorm-article-1.1612952

·        http://article.wn.com/view/2014/02/14/Student_s_Close_NYC_Schools_During_Snow_Emergencies_Facebook/

·        http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/education/close-nyc-schools-snow-emergencies-facebook-page-32k-likes-article

 

 

Evaluation: You will be evaluated based upon the following criteria:

PPA Project Rubric

 

4

3

2

1

0

Score

Complete PPA worksheet

Submitted a PPA worksheet that is fully completed and accurate.

Submitted a PPA worksheet that is fully completed and mostly accurate.

Submitted a PPA worksheet that may be missing 1 or 2 parts.

Submitted a PPA worksheet that is missing 3 parts.

Did not submit a PPA worksheet.

 

The PowerPoint Presentation

The presentation clearly compliments the essay and contains graphics and catch phrases to influence the viewer.

The presentation compliments the essay and contains graphics and catch phrases relevant to the solution.

The presentation compliments the essay and contains graphics and limited catch phrases related the solution.

The presentation does not really compliment the essay.  It contains limited catchphrases that may not make sense considering the essay.

The presentation is off-topic or not submitted.

 

 

Essay Components

 

4

3

2

1

0

Score

Introduction

Clearly explains the problem and gives relevant background information.

Explains the problem and gives some background information.

States the problem and gives limited background information.

State the problem only.

Does not state the problem or give any background information.

 

Evidence

Evidence is highly relevant and stated accurately.

Evidence is mostly relevant and stated accurately.

Some evidence is relevant or limited evidence is provided.  Some minor inaccuracies.

Very little evidence is provided.  May contain inaccuracies.

No evidence is provided.

 

Causes

Inferences are insightful and justifiable.

Causes are stated and make sense.

Causes mostly make sense. 

Causes are stated but do not really make sense.

Causes are not stated.

 

Existing Policy Evaluation

Clear discussion of existing policies and the impact that they have.

States existing policies with some consideration of the impact they have.

States existing policies only.

States existing policies with inaccuracies.

Does not evaluate existing policies.

 

Solution Presentation

Presents the best solution with clear reasons for why it is effective and feasible.

Presents the best solution and provides some reasons why it is effective and feasible.

Presents a solution with a reason why it was chosen.

Presents a solution only.

Does not present a solution.

 

Organization

The organization makes sense. Ideas seem to go together. 

 

The organization mostly makes sense.  Up to two ideas may be better placed elsewhere.

The organization makes some sense.  Several ideas may be better placed elsewhere.

The organization does not make sense.  Ideas are not written with ideas that go together.

 

 

Paraphrasing

Clearly paraphrased with specific language.  May include a citation.

Paraphrased with some specific language.  May include a citation. ay

Paraphrased with more general language.  Minor copying without citation

Some paraphrasing present with limited language.  Copying is present.

Most of the text is copied.

 

Vocabulary

Contains a wide vocabulary including relevant content words which are used correctly.

Contains appropriate words from the text as well as the students own words

Contains some variety of vocabulary including some specific text vocabulary

Contains a basic vocabulary.  No words from the text are present.

Mostly copied from the text.

 

Grammar Component

Grammar is correct

 

1 or 2 grammatical errors.

Up to 5 grammatical errors

Many grammatical errors

 

 

Spelling

All spelling is correct.

Up to 3 spelling errors.

Up to 7 spelling errors.

Many errors in spelling.

 

 

Punctuation

All punctuation is correct

1 or 2 errors in punctuation

Up to 5 errors in punctuation

Many errors in punctuation.

Essay totally lacks punctuation.

 

 

Total/Grade

 

PowerPoint Rubric

ELEMENT

Exemplary

Proficient

Partially Proficient

Unsatisfactory

POINTS

Research and Note taking

3 points

Note cards indicate you accurately researched a variety of information sources, recorded and interpreted significant facts, meaningful graphics, accurate sounds and evaluated alternative points of view.

2 points

Note cards show you recorded relevant information from multiple sources of information, evaluated and synthesized relevant information.

1 point

Note cards show you misinterpreted statements, graphics and questions and failed to identify relevant arguments.

0 points

Note cards show you recorded information from four or less resources, did not find graphics or sounds, and ignored alternative points of view.

__/3

Pre Production Planning - Storyboard

3 points

The storyboard illustrates the slide presentation structure with thumbnail sketches of each slide including: title of slide, text, background color, placement & size of graphic, fonts - color, size, type for text and headings, hyperlinks (list URLs of any site linked from the slide), narration text, and audio files (if any). All slides are numbered, and there is a logical sequence to the presentation.

2 points

The thumbnail sketches on the storyboard include titles and text for each slide and are in sequential order.

1 point

The thumbnail sketches on the storyboard are not in a logical sequence and have incomplete information.

0 points

There a very few thumbnail sketches on the storyboard and do not provide an overview of the presentation.

___/3

Introduction

3 points

The introduction presents the overall topic and draws the audience into the presentation with compelling questions or by relating to the audience's interests or goals.

2 points

The introduction is clear and coherent and relates to the topic.

1 point

The introduction shows some structure but does not create a strong sense of what is to follow. May be overly detailed or incomplete and is somewhat appealing to the audience.

0 points

The introduction does not orient the audience to what will follow.

The sequencing is unclear and does not appear interesting or relevant to the audience.

___/3

Content

3 points

The content is written clearly and concisely with a logical progression of ideas and supporting information.

The project includes motivating questions and advanced organizers. The project gives the audience a clear sense of the main idea.

Information is accurate, current and comes mainly from * primary sources.

2 points

The content is written with a logical progression of ideas and supporting information.

Includes persuasive information from reliable sources.

1 point

The content is vague in conveying a point of view and does not create a strong sense of purpose.

Includes some persuasive information with few facts.

Some of the information may not seem to fit.

Sources used appear unreliable.

0 points

The content lacks a clear point of view and logical sequence of information.

Includes little persuasive information and only one or two facts about the topic.

Information is incomplete, out of date and/or incorrect.

Sequencing of ideas is unclear.

___/3

Text

3 points

The fonts are easy-to-read and point size varies appropriately for headings and text.

Use of italics, bold, and indentations enhances readability.

Text is appropriate in length for the target audience and to the point.

The background and colors enhance the readability of text.

2 points

Sometimes the fonts are easy-to-read, but in a few places the use of fonts, italics, bold, long paragraphs, color or busy background detracts and does not enhance readability.

1 point

Overall readability is difficult with lengthy paragraphs, too many different fonts, dark or busy background, overuse of bold or lack of appropriate indentations of text.

0 points

The text is extremely difficult to read with long blocks of text and small point size of fonts, inappropriate contrasting colors, poor use of headings, subheadings, indentations, or bold formatting.

___/3

Layout

3 points

The layout is visually pleasing and contributes to the overall message with appropriate use of headings, subheadings and white space.

2 points

The layout uses horizontal and vertical white space appropriately.

1 point

The layout shows some structure, but appears cluttered and busy or distracting with large gaps of white space or uses a distracting background.

0 points

The layout is cluttered, confusing, and does not use spacing, headings and subheadings to enhance the readability.

___/3

Citations

3 point

Sources of information are properly cited and the audience can determine the credibility and authority of the information presented.

All sources of information are clearly identified and credited using appropriate citation format.

2 points

Most sources of information use proper citation format, and sources are documented to make it possible to check on the accuracy of information.

1 point

Sometimes copyright guidelines are followed and some information, photos and graphics do not include proper citation format.

0 points

No way to check validity of information.

___/3

Graphics, Sound and/or Animation

3 points

The graphics, sound and/or animation assist in presenting an overall theme and enhance understanding of concept, ideas and relationships.

Original images are created using proper size and resolution, and all images enhance the content.

There is a consistent visual theme.

2 points

The graphics, sound/and or animation visually depict material and assist the audience in understanding the flow of information or content.

Original images are used.

Images are proper size, resolution.

1 point

Some of the graphics, sounds, and/or animations seem unrelated to the topic/theme and do not enhance the overall concepts.

Most images are clip art or recycled from the internet.

Images are too large/small in size.

Images are poorly cropped or the color/resolution is fuzzy.

0 points

The graphics, sounds, and/or animations are unrelated to the content.

Graphics do not enhance understanding of the content, or are distracting decorations that create a busy feeling and detract from the content.

___/3

Writing Mechanics

3 points

The text is written with no errors in grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

2 points

The text is clearly written with little or no editing required for grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

1 point

Spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors distract or impair readability.

(3 or more errors)

0 points

Errors in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, usage and grammar repeatedly distract the reader and major editing and revision is required.

(more than 5 errors)

___/3

TOTAL POINTS

 ___ /27

 

Argument/Group Work Rubric:

Name:

 

Class:

Date:

 

CCLS:  Grade 8   Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

 

Task -_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

1.     Introduce the claim(s).  Acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.

4

3

2

1

2.     Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources.  Demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text.

4

3

2

1

3.     Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify relationships among claim(s) counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.

4

3

2

1

4.     Establish and maintain a formal style.

4

3

2

1

5.     Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

4

3

2

1

6.     Conventions, Grammar, and Usage

4

3

2

1

7.     Cooperation in class and with peers

4

3

2

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key:    Level 4                       Exceeds the standards

            Level 3                       Meets the standards (Passing)

            Level 2                       Approaching the standards

            Level 1                       Far below the standards

 

+ (standards that are met)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- (areas that need improvement)

 

 

 

 

X (errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion:

You have now successfully analyzed a public policy which is ineffective for your community.  You have used internet resources to gather evidence

You organized and analyzed your evidence using worksheets and graphic organizers provided to you.

You have created an argumentative essay in support of your new policy as well as a PowerPoint presentation to complement the essay.

The class will now debate the merits of each groups proposed solution, and vote on the most feasible and effective solution.

The winning essay and Power Point will be sent to the Mayor and the Schools Chancellor.

Well Done!!!!

 

 

Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.1e Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

Comprehension and Collaboration

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas