Unit Overview:
This four-week unit will explore the effects of bullying. Students will read a series of non-fiction feature articles that examine the concept. The articles will address cyberbullying, the role of a bystander, the effects of bullying and ways to overcome. Students will then examine the ways to control this ongoing issue by researching reasonable consequences for this offense and means of prevention.
Task Details
PERFORMANCE TASK NAME: How Can We Control Bullying?
Grade: 7
Subject: English Language Arts
Depth of Knowledge: 4
Task Description: Through close analysis of the texts provided, students will write a formal essay addressing the concept of bullying. Through valid research and deductive reasoning, students will conclude the best possible means of control for this ongoing issue. Students will evaluate appropriate actions that need to be taken in order to help curb the social and emotional hurt of the individuals affected. In order to address this, students will have to consider whether the means of control should be punitive or preventative.
The in-depth analysis will enable students to develop a clear position and maintain it throughout the essay, produce a favorable action, and incorporate a suitable counter argument, opposing their original position. Students will present their textual analysis in an argumentative manner, ultimately swaying the reader’s opinion through reasoning and use of textual evidence.
The formal essay must include references to the resources we read in class. Students must include a works cited page using proper MLA format. There should be a minimum of three sources.
Standards Assessed:
ELA-Literacy.W.7.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
* CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2a Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
* CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2b Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
* CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2c Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.*
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2d Use precise language and domain- specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
* CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2e Establish and maintain a formal style.
* CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2f Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.
Materials Needed:
Articles:
“Confessions of a Teenage Bully” by Rachel Simons
“Cyberbulling” by Kathy Wilmore
“Students are Suspended for Verbally Abusing School Bus Monitor” by Jennifer Preston
“Meet the New Sheriff” by Suzanne McCabe
“Monona Police Can Now Cite Parents For A Child’s Bullying” by Doug Erickson
“Cyberbullying Can Be A Crime But It Can Be Punished: The Judicial Notice” by Jessica Brewbaker
Books:
Excepts from Teen Cyberbullying Investigated by Judge Tom Jacobs
Excerpts from Dear Bully by Meagan Kelley Hall & Carrie Jones
Documentary:
Bullied: A Student, A School, and The Case That Made History
I.S. 239 Name ______
Class _____ ID _____ Date ______
Directions to Students
Performance Task: How Can We Control Bullying?
Bullying may have a devastating effect on those who are bullied if gone unchecked. The consequences are far reaching not only for those who are being bullied, but for those who are silent bystanders as well. You will read and watch a series of informational texts and sources dealing with the concept of bullying through multiple perspectives. Through close analysis and further research, you will write a formal response on the topic of bullying. This argumentative essay will address your means of control by establishing whether or not the action should be punitive OR preventative, as well as providing a counter argument to your claim.
You will write an argumentative essay on bullying. Using examples from your sources, you will examine bullying and the most suitable means of control.
The formal essay must include references to the articles we read in class. You must include a works cited page using proper MLA format. There should be a minimum of THREE sources.
You must have the following pieces to submit for me:
Outline: due ______
(there will we an in class peer edit of the outline where you will receive feedback and guidance for your final essay)
Performance Task: Will be held in class on______
*A works cited page and cover page should be PRINTED and submitted along with your final written essay on the due date.
Prompt:Bullying may have a devastating effect on those who are bullied if gone unchecked. In an attempt to curb this controversial matter, should the method of control be punitive or preventative?
Use explicit and inferred evidence from the texts to support your claim.
Be sure to acknowledge a counter claim and include evidence from your sources.
CHECKLIST
____ You will need a cover. The cover should include your essay title in the center (no pictures). Your name, homeroom and English ID must be in the lower right- hand corner of the cover.
____ Do NOT include a heading on the first page of your essay.
____ The essay title should be in the center at the top of the first page of your essay.
_____Establish and maintain a clear position.
____ Your essay must have an introduction, three body paragraphs and a clear conclusion. Create an organizational structure that introduces and concludes the argument and orders reason and evidence so that they make sense. Make transitions between and within sections clear.
____ Your goal is to explain the effects of bullying and provide a way to control this
growing problem by establishing whether or not the actions should be punitive or
preventative. Incorporate insight from the pieces we read and watched (the
non-fiction articles we read, and the media pieces we viewed in class). Provide
multiple reasons that make sense and support the overall position. Include
RELEVANT evidence to support your reasoning.
_____ Discuss an alternate or opposing position: demonstrate understanding that
there is another possible position on the topic.
_____ Demonstrate accurate literal and INFERENTIAL understanding of the source material.
____You must use at least THREE sources. You must choose from the non-fiction articles we read. This does not limit you to three quotes! This just means that you must use AT LEAST THREE SOURCES of information.
_____ You must also include a works cited page using correct MLA format. It must be the last page of your essay. There should be three different sources on this page
_____ Demonstrate a command of grammar, usage, and mechanics across the essay.