USING SERIOUS SOCIAL ISSUES TO TEACH RESEARCH

Introductory readings from publications such as the Los Angeles Times and The Atlantic set the context for lessons on social issues such as gentrification, mass incarceration, the opioid crisis, sexual abuse on college campuses, and gun control and mass shootings. Teacher pages furnish discussion questions and suggested research assignments that range from classroom debates to informative, reflective, and argumentative writing to projects and presentations. Graphic organizers, templates, rubrics, and other resources are provided to support the assignments. Also included are notes on how to select an issue and assignments, guidance on how to respond to possible negative reactions or questions from parents or students, and a standards alignment chart.