Web Quest

Promote Literacy

& (Let’sStopIlliteracy!!!)

By:TheresaHardaway

Walton High School

WM$P-OI

Why are Language Arts and Mathematical skills necessary in the real world?

Introduction- Literacy is a key component to the future success of all of our lives. Language Arts and Mathematics are two major parts of literacy. They are extremely necessary in all aspects of life in the real world. They both are viable parts of everyday living. Therefore you must do your part to stop illiteracy. You’ve been asked by the new Principal , Mr.Tornifolio to take part in the Ramp -up Program. In order to prepare for your job , you will look at the problem of illiteracy in New York City public schools. You will also look for solutions to this problem. You will organize your findings in a well written report. Additionally you will do a five minute oral presentation of your findings on any statistics of illiteracy in NYC public schools.

Task- Your report will show the importance of literacy, the problem of illiteracy, policies related to literacy in New York City public schools, as well as your solutions.

Your paper should be typed and checked for spelling and grammatical errors.

Your report should also include a graph of some statistics you found related to illiteracy in New York City public schools.

Process

You will look for research materials in periodicals such as magazines, newspapers and websites from 1990-2004.

All information found must pertain to the importance of reading and mathematical skills in the real world.

(Pro Literacy)

You will also complete the following worksheet from Public Policy Analyst to help you organize your information.

1. Identifying the Problem, and Worksheet #1

2. Gathering Evidence, and Worksheet # 2

3. Identify Causes of the problem, and

Worksheet # 3

4. Evaluate the Policy, and Worksheet #4

5. Develop a solution to the Problem, Worksheet #5

6. Selecting the Best Solution, and Worksheet #6

RESOURCES:

http://indian-river.fl.us/living/services/als/facts.html

Institute of Public Policy Analysis

Literacy / Illiteracy http://www.readingstore.com/illiteracy_and_violence_confusi.htm

http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112734/page1.htm

OLRC Publications: Math Literacy Newsletter

members.cox.net/mathmistakes/literacy.htm

www.classbrain.com/artholiday/publish/article_185.shtml - 27k -

http://www.gulpny.org/Legislation/basic%20ed.htm

EVALUATION

You will evaluated based on the following rubric:

Task	Excellent	Satisfactory	Minimal Satisfactory	Unsatisfactory
Worksheets	Organization Student presentation is completely clear and legible	Organization Student presentation somewhat clear and legible	Organization Student presentation has little clarity or legibility	Organization Student presentation is unclear and illegible.
Report	Subject Knowledge Student exhibits knowledge of subject matter	Subject Knowledge Student exhibits knowledge of subject matter	Subject Knowledge Student demonstrates a little knowledge of subject matter	Subject Knowledge Student does not know subject matter
Presentation	Evaluation: Presentation Rubric- evaluating student presentation Accuracy No written and verbal errors	Accuracy Very few written and verbal errors	Accuracy Little to no written and verbal errors	Accuracy Many written and verbal errors

This WebQuest addresses the following English Language Arts and Mathematics Standards:

E1c: Read and comprehend informational materials.

E2a: Produce a report of information.

E3c: Prepare and deliver an individual presentation

Math, Science, Technology

Mathematic 3– Students will understand mathematics and become mathematically confident by communicating and reasoning mathematically, by applying mathematics in real-world settings, and by solving problems through the integrated study of number systems, geometry, algebra, data analysis, probability, and trigonometry.

Standard 7 - Interdisciplinary Problem Solving

Students will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of mathematics, science, and technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions.

Conclusion:

When you have completed this activity of participating in the Ramp-up Program you have help to promote literacy. You have also gained a greater understanding of the issues and public policies surrounding the importance of literacy in Language Arts and Mathematics. You have also demonstrated an ability to develop your own original public policy solutions and you have now presented your research as an expert to your peers and to your principal.