The Vanishing American Dream
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Karrie Kehoe kkehoe@uticaschools.org Proctor High School
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The Introduction
“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;” otherwise known as The American Dream. Ever since Jefferson penned these famous words in 1776, Americans cannot ignore this idea he set forth because these words are repeated continuously in literature, movies, posters, etc. Everywhere one looks it seems as though the government is promising the ability for all Americans to achieve the “American Dream”, but people continue to lash out, stating that the once achievable “American Dream” is vanishing out of most Americans’ reach. You and your classmates have been so honorably chosen by President Obama to work with a panel of analysts to study the problem of the vanishing “American Dream” in the United States.
The Task
You will be working in groups of three to analyze this social problem using the public policy analyst. All PPA worksheets must be completed throughout your quest. Using the information that you synthesize throughout this analysis process and our study of American literature this year, as a group you will be required to write a 2-3 page research paper and create a visual presentation (ex. Power point, Prezi, video) that expresses your group’s findings on the social problem.
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Steps to the Public Policy Analyst (PPA) 2. Gather Evidence of the Problem 3. Identify the Causes of the Problem 4. Evaluate an Existing Public Policy 5. Develop Public Policy Solutions 6. Select the Best Public Policy Solution
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The Process
1. I will be dividing the class into groups of three. Within your group you need to identify a facilitator, researcher, and recorder, each class period.
2. First, in order to become familiar with this social problem, analyze the following resources, and one resource of your own finding to complete worksheet #1Defining the Problem.
Resources:
Deepening the American Dream – Bill Moyers
3. Within your group, create a ten question survey to be distributed to 50 people outside of this classroom to gather evidence of your problem. Use the following link to guide you in the creation of your survey; Survey Tips.
4. Also, analyze the following resources, and one resource of your own finding using Cornell notes and compile information to complete worksheet #2Gather Evidence of the Problem.
Resources:
“American Dream Dying Under Obama” – Jerome Corsi
“Is the American Dream Dying?” - Jacob Heilbrunn
5. Next, analyze the following resources, and one resource of your own finding using Cornell notes and compile information to complete worksheet #3Identify the Causes of the Problem
Resources:
“Two American Families” – Frontline - Video
“Penny Pinching and My Two Cents”
6. After identifying and evaluating the problem, it is time to look at some public policy solutions already in place. Within your group, analyze the following resources, and one resource of your own finding using Cornell notes and compile information to complete worksheet #4 Evaluate an Existing Public Policy.
Resources:
State Minimum Wages 2014 Minimum Wage By State – NCSL
7. Now that you are on your way to becoming a public policy expert, as a group it is time to come up with public policy solutions on your own. In your group, complete worksheet #5 Develop Public Policy Solutions.
8. Using worksheet #6 Select the Best Public Policy, analyze the feasibility of your group’ s public policies and choose the best one.
9. Research Paper - Now that you are an expert on public policy your group is going to compile the information analyzed here and the literature analyzed in class, to write a 2-3 page thesis paper about the vanishing American Dream. The specific requirements and rubric for your paper are attached below. This will count as 50% of your grade.
10. Visual Presentation – As a group you will be creating a visual presentation of your thesis and analysis of the problem. You can choose to create this using Power Point, Prezi, or the Flip Cameras. Since we have worked with these throughout the year, you choose which ever one suites your group best. As always make sure to complete the requirements set forth in the visual presentation rubric.
The
Resources 
Deepening the American Dream – Bill Moyers
“American Dream Dying Under Obama” – Jerome Corsi
“Is the American Dream Dying?” - Jacob Heilbrunn
“Two American Families” – Frontline - Video
“Penny Pinching and My Two Cents”
State Minimum Wages 2014 Minimum Wage By State – NCSL
The Evaluation
Visual Presentation Rubric (9-12)
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CRITERIA |
FOCUS |
CONTENT |
COMPOSITION/ CRAFTSMANSHIP |
CREATIVITY/ ORIGINALITY |
CONVENTIONS |
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LEVEL 4 EXCEEDS THE STANDARD |
Shows evidence of a carefully planned design Produces a visually successful work by using the elements and principles of design to express ideas effectively
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Uses consistently accurate data Develops a visual that can stand alone and be a useful source of information Thoroughly supports the oral presentation |
Enhances information through use of space, lettering, and color Uses a variety of shapes to fit the design |
Shows a visual response using an unusual combination of or changes in several ideas Makes connections to previous knowledge
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Demonstrates excellent control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation by making no errors |
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LEVEL 3 ACHIEVED THE STANDARD |
Shows some evidence of planning Designs a technically proficient work by using the elements and
principles of design |
Uses generally accurate data Displays mostly useful source information |
Sufficiently conveys information through use of space, lettering, and color Somewhat attempts to integrate objects into the design
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Displays a visual response with an adequate combination of or changes in several ideas Makes some connections to previous knowledge
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Demonstrates clear control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation by committing few errors |
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LEVEL 2 NEARLY ACHIEVED THE STANDARD |
Shows limited evidence of planning Has a focal point but uses elements and principles of design with limited success |
Presents inaccurate or inconsistent data Displays information that requires explanation Partially supports oral presentation
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Uses space, lettering, and color that confuses information Uses lettering that either overpowers or diminishes the images Uses space ineffectively |
Displays an idea that lacks originality Makes few connections to previous knowledge |
Demonstrates limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation so as not to interfere with understanding the text |
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LEVEL 1 BELOW THE STANDARD |
Completes but shows little or no evidence of any planning or understanding of the elements and principles of design
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Relates little information to the project Develops a visual that is of minimal value as a source of information Does not support oral presentation |
Uses unrelated graphics or none at all Displays an incomplete visual presentation Shows poor craftsmanship and/or a lack of understanding |
Fulfills project requirement but shows no evidence of trying anything unusual Makes little or no connections to previous knowledge |
Demonstrates minimal control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation, which interferes with understanding the information |
The Conclusion
Congratulations fellow analyst!! Through the process of this web quest, not only have you mastered the steps to become a public policy analyst, but you have also synthesized the information into a research paper and visual presentation. President Obama is pleased that he chose you to work with his panel of analysts and feels that the country is now one step closer to minimizing the problem of the vanishing “American Dream.
Common Core State Standards
ELA:
- R.I.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
2. W.8. Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.
3. S&L. 2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.
4. L.6. Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
Standard 5: Technology Students will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use, and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs
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Research Paper Assignment
Throughout this year, we have been analyzing, researching, and discussing the problem of the vanishing “American Dream”. In your groups you are to compile this information to create a thesis statement, and write a 2-3 page paper supporting that thesis.
Research Paper Guidelines
Format: MLA Format - Be sure to have in text citations and a works cited page
- 1 Inch Margins
- Times New Roman – 12 font
- Double Spaced
Length: 2-3 Pages
Sources: 3 Credible Sources found during problem analysis need to be incorporated along with evidence from a text read in class.
Assignment Timeline:
Three Articles and Working Thesis Statement: Days 1/3 – Days 2/4 -
Paper Outline: Days 1/3 - Days 2/4 -
Rough Draft: Days 1/3 – Days 2/4 –
Final Paper and Presentation: Days 1/3 – Days 2/4 –