WEBQUEST

Mr. Dalglish—ECONOMICS—5^TH PERIOD

"To every American out there on Social Security, to every American supporting that system today, and to everyone counting on it when they retire, we made a promise to you, and we are going to keep it."

George W. Bush

Introduction:

You received your first job at the tender age of 16 years. Thereafter, you have been gainfully employed every year. You are now 30 years old, earning an annual salary at around $72,000. Each year, since age 16, you contributed 6.2% of your annual earning (your employers have also contributed 6.2% each year on your behalf) to the Social Security system. In other words, you and your employer contribute $9000 annually. Social Security is a promise that if one contributes to the “pay-as-you-go” system during his/her working years, he/she will receive retirement benefits financed by the working generation. The Social Security program represents our commitment as a society to the belief that workers should not live in dread that a disability, death, or old age could leave them or their families destitute.

There is an important national discussion going on concerning the future of Social Security. With the retirement of the “baby-boom generation set to begin in 2014, the financial solvency of Social Security is not certain. Social Security may not have the money to support your retirement as promised.

· Will you receive Social Security?

SOCIAL SECURITY COMMISSION

TASK:

Using the TIPS-PPA format, you will create a public policy to “save Social Security.”

· Define the problem that threatens the financial solvency of Social Security.

· Gather evidence of the existence of the problem.

· Evaluate existing public policy proposals concerning the problem

· Develop a workable public policy solution

You will write a 2-page letter to the Social Security Commission to report your findings and to propose a public policy to deal with this issue.

PROCESS

IN YOUR GROUPS YOU WILL:

1. Work cooperatively in groups of four

2. Use the Public Policy Analysis research guidelines to gather information about the financial solvency of Social Security.

3. Record your responses on the TIPS-PPA worksheets. Your responses will be collected prior to your presentation and graded by me

4. Prepare a presentation (preferably one that incorporate technology) to explain your public policy proposals

RESOURCES:

Social Security Administration http://www.ssa.gov/

Campaign for our future

Cato Project on Social Security

EVALUATION:

The project grade will be based upon the following rubric :

ACTIVITY	4	3		2	1
Research and Notetaking	accurately researched varied information sources, recorded and interpreted statements, and evaluated alternative points of view.	recorded relevant information from multiple sources of information, evaluated and synthesized relevant information.		misinterpreted statements, graphics and questions	Did not record information
Introduction	presents the overall topic and draws the audience into the presentation with compelling questions	is clear and coherent and relates to the topic.		shows some structure but does not create a strong sense of what is to follow. is overly detailed or incomplete	does not orient the audience to what will follow.
Content	The content is written clearly and concisely with a logical progression of ideas and supporting information. The project includes motivating questions and advanced organizers that provide the audience with sense of the project’s main idea. Information is accurate, current and comes mainly from * primary sources.	The content is written with a logical progression of ideas and supporting information. Includes persuasive information from *primary sources.		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. *Primary source use is not always clear.	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.
Text Elements	The fonts are easy-to-read and point size varies appropriately for headings and text. Contains 8 slides 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.	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. Contains 6 slides		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. Contins 4 slides	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.
Writing Mechanics	The text is written with no errors in grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.	The text is clearly written with little or no editing required for grammar, punctuation, and spelling.		Spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors distract or impair readability. (3 or more errors)	Errors in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, usage and grammar repeatedly distract the reader and major editing and revision is required. (more than 5 errors)
Persuasive Essay and Worksheets	Worksheets are complete Letter is well crafted and demonstrates superior use of the conventions of standard written English		Worksheets are complete Letter contains acceptable usage of he conventions of standard written English	Worksheets are complete Letter contains weak usage of the conventions of standard written English	Worksheets are Incomplete Letter does not use the conventions of standard written English

CONCLUSION:

Upon your successful completion of this research using the TIPS Public Policy Analyst guidelines, you will have gained a better understanding of the financial predicament of Social Security You will have identified the demographic factors affecting Social Security, existing proposals, developed a public policy, and evaluated its feasibility as well as its effectiveness. You will have presented your findings in a persuasive letter to the Social Security Commission.

ELA Standards

E1c: Read and comprehend informational materials.

E2a: Produce a report of information.

E3c: Prepare and deliver a presentation.

Social Studies Standards

ECONOMICS:

· identify and collect economic information from standard reference works, newspapers, periodicals, computer databases, textbooks, and other primary and secondary sources