Education Reform
What can be done to improve education in Ohio?
The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.
B.B. King
Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.
George Washington Carver
If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.
Abraham Maslow
Education costs money, but then so does ignorance.
Claus Moser
Content Key:
Purple- Dates to Remember
Blue- Project Directions
Pink- Note card directions
Green- Rubrics
Dates to Remember:
April 12, 15, 19, 22, 23, 26, 29
Library or Computer Lab Time
Deadlines
April 11 - Topic Selection
April 15- SurveysCreated
April16- 10 Note Cards
April 22 - 10 Questions
April 24- Thesis Statement
April 30 - 30 Note Cards
May 6- Rough Draft Due
May 13- Final Draft
May 20-22- Persuasive Speeches
Educational reform is at the forefront of political discourse in Ohio and the country. The only problem is, no one is asking for your input. As current students, and soon to be recent graduates, your insight into what is effective and what needs changed is imperative.
You will thoroughly research an area of the education system that you view as a hindrance to the success of today’s children. You will look at past and present practices and legislation in order to better understand your topic. Once you have a thorough understanding of your topic, you will come up with your own proposal for reform with the intention of improving education in Ohio.
Look at some of the possible areas that you can consideration for reform:
Calamity Days
All Day Kindergarten
Balanced Calendar
Block vs. Traditional Scheduling
Longer school Day/Year
Teacher Preparation
Continuing Education for Teachers
Licensure & Renewal
Evaluating Teachers
Merit Pay
Home Schooling
Online Schools
Charter Schools
Flex Credit
Dual Enrollment
Vocational Training
School Environment
Student Rights/Rules
Safety
Conducive learning environment
Dress Code
Cell Phones/ electronics
Graduation Requirements
Attendance
High Stakes Testing
Credits/Coursework
Service learning
Capstone
Drop-Out
Grading
Technology
Filtering
Digital divide
Financing Education
Equity
Education & Zip Codes
Local, State, National
Common Core Curriculum
STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math)
Partnership for 21st Century Skills
Arts education
Libraries
Funding
Class size & Course offerings
Hopefully you now have some ideas for what you think needs to be reformed. Now, identify a problem in education and decide why it needs to be changed. You need to come up with a plan for how to find the solution to your problem, but you will not know exactly what solution you will propose until you have done more research. Use the following example as a template:
Problem:Unequal funding for schools across the state of Ohio.
Statement:The way that Ohio funds its schools is unfair and unconstitutional and it needs to be changed.
Solution: I need to find a new way of school funding to correct this problem.
Your goal is to focus on an aspect of education that you think should be changed. You should become extremely knowledgeable about your issue. For example, if you chose the issue described above, you should count on becoming somewhat of an expert on the way Ohio funds its schools and you need to see how other states and countries deal with this issue. You will need to be able to cite plenty of interesting statistics that support your proposed solution. This issue is something that you should feel passionate about and be able to gain a sense of ownership with by the end of the project.
The paper must be ten pages (double-spaced, 12 pt. font, Times New Roman, one inch margins) using proper MLA citations and a works cited page (in addition to the 10 pages). The paper should also be free of all spelling, grammatical, and citation errors. You need a minimum of tensources. You will also give a persuasive speech to convince your peers to adopt your proposal.
Step 1 – Find an issue – Due 4/11/13(End of Class)
Brainstorm a list of the things about our education system in Ohio that bother you. List at least five things that you would like to see changed. Explain your reasoning for the change and some possible solutions you have in mind. Recognize the need for reason – while you may like to see a world where no one goes to school, you’re not going to find much in the way of useful resources and chances are no one is going to listen to you anyway. Instead, you might want to research ways to improve amount of time students spend in the classroom. For example, there has been a lot of research done on how students learn, the times of day that learning is most productive, etc. Don’t just choose any old issue because you don’t want to think about it or haven’t thought seriously about the world in which you live. If you choose a topic out of indifference or laziness, you will lose interest and either want to change topics half way through or end up not finishing or doing a poor job. The topic is your responsibility – choose wisely.
Step 2- Research
Start researching right away. Pick three issues from your brainstorming list and try to find what information there is available for each topic. Read some of the information. Does it still interest you? Too boring? Too broad? You will need to select your topic before the first day in the lab, so spend time looking outside of class. Once you have decided on your topic, begin to research it in-depth using the note card method to take notes. Use Infohio, Galesites, and JStor Use the Internet, but be careful here – there are many unreliable websites – you may only use cites that can be officially and correctly cited. During the research component of this project, you can receive up to five points per day for your progress. You lose points every time you are off task, and you must be able to prove progress at the end of the day.
Step 3 – Create a survey- Due 4/15/13
Before you can create a proposal for your reform, you need to determine what the public opinion is on your topic. You will create a survey with at least five questions that will help you gauge the public’s readiness for the type of change you are proposing. These questions should be geared towards giving you results that you can use in your proposal, such as “Over 80% of people surveyed believe that alternative education, such as vocational and digital schools, are necessary.” In order to have a fair and balanced survey you will need to poll a minimum of 50 people from a variety of backgrounds. You will need to provide statistics about the age group, sex, etc. of your participants. Names are not required. If you create a survey using SurveyMonkey.com I will put it on my website, but it must be error free and represent the school in a professional manner.
Step 4 – Hand in ten note cards – Due 4/16/13 (Beginning of Class)
Hand in at least ten note cards from at least twosources. See “Making Note Cards” for directions.
Step 5 – Ask questions – Due 4/22/13 (Beginning of Class)
Create a list of 10 possible questions to ask during the interview process. Even though you may not use all 10, you need to be prepared for where the conversation could take you. Make sure your questions are tailored to the person you are interviewing.
Step 6 – Write a thesis statement – Due 4/24/13
Gather the information that you have gained about your topic and write a concise sentence explaining the problem you see, the need for the solution, and your proposal.
Step 7 – More note cards – Due 4/30/13 (Beginning of Class)
Hand in at least 30 note cards,from 5 or more sources, arranged by subtopic. These can include the original 10, but keep in mind that you will need more than 30 to write an effective paper.
Step 8 - Reform Proposal
Once you have completed most of the research for this project you will need to create your own proposal for reform. This proposal must take into account the real life parameters which cannot be altered, such as funding, logistics, and timing. In your proposal you must account for what change will take place, why you feel this reform is necessary, and how it will be implemented. Remember, this proposal needs to work to improve some aspect of education in Ohio, not just Mt.Gilead. This should be the largest portion of your research paper. Your plan needs to be detailed enough that it could be implemented. Although your reform is your own opinion on how to improve education, you must have research and public opinion to back up your ideas.
Step 9 - Rough Draft 5/6/13
Bring in your draft to get feedback from your peers and me. I will meet with individual students throughout the week.
Step 10 - Research Paper- Monday, May 13. I will take them until 3:00 in hard copy or by email.
You will compose a research paper of at least 10 pages which will address the following areas:
I.Introduction
- Purpose Statement (what is the point of education)
- Introduce Your Topic
II.Background Information. (All research based, no opinion)
- Past and Current Practices (State, National, and Global)
- Legislation (State, National, and Global)
III.Survey
- Demographics (who did you ask)
- Questions and Results
- Reflection (challenges? impact on proposal? unexpected results?)
IV.Proposal
- Need for your proposal
- Reform Plan (What? When? Where? How?)
- Goals/Impact/Anticipated Outcome
V.Funding
- Ohio’s Education Budget
- How will you pay for this? No unfunded mandates
VI.Conclusion
- Summarize your main arguments
- Remind your reader why they should adopt your proposal
- Restate your thesis
Step 11 - Works Cited – Turn in with your research paper
Your works cited page must contain a minimum of 10 credible sources that are properly formatted in MLA style.
Step 12 - Presentation- Due May 20-22
You will create a presentation that is betweenfour to seven minutes and is both informational and persuasive. The presentation should contain the same elements that your research papers contained, but in a more concise form. Make sure you clearly explain the details of your proposal and include the research used to make these decisions. You need to orally reference specific research to support your reform proposal. Do not simply use your own personal opinion and experience to justify your proposal. Tirades of personal woe will not be regarded as professional, persuasive, or informational, and your grade will be dramatically reduced if this is the case. You need to be prepared to answer questions from your peers and your teacher about your proposal.
You donotneed a visualfor your presentation. In fact, I recommend that you do not use one unless it is a few brief charts or pictures. Your grade will be reduced if it is a copy of your speech. You must complete an outline using the template I gave to you.
Using Note Cards for Research
1. Write the subtopic heading of the note at the top of each note card. Ex. Background, Expert Opinion, Current Practice, Ohio, National, Global, Problem, Solution, Trickle Down, etc.
2. Write onlyone main fact, quote, or source on a note card.
3. Only write information directly related to your topic.
4. Write only essential words, abbreviate when possible. This will help eliminate plagiarism.
5. Be accurate: double check direct quotes and statistics.
6. Identify direct quotes with quotation marks and the speaker’s name (the author and speaker may not be the same person).
7. Bracket your own words [ ] when you add them into a quote and use ellipsis points (...) where you leave out non-essential words from a quote.
8. Distinguish between 'fact' and 'opinion'.
9. Include the source information on the card (author/title/page number) to help you find the source on your works cited page.
10. Complete your works cited page as you go. If you decide later on to eliminate a source it can be easily deleted. You do not need to use a purple sheet, but you are welcome to do so if you wish.
11. After collecting all of your information. Sort cards by subtopic and eliminate weak or repeated information (keep your strongest source if you have repeated information). Write your paper using your information from your note cards. Everything that you include in your paper from your note cards must be cited in MLA format.
Project Completion Rubric
____/50 Work Day Progress (E&P)
____/5 Topic Selection (C&H)
____/10Five Survey Questions (C&H)
____/10 Ten Note Cards (C&H)
____/10 Ten Questions (C&H)
____/10 Thesis Statement (C&H)
____/30 Thirty Note Cards (C&H)
____/20 Rough Draft Conferences (P&P)
____/200 Final Draft (P&P)
____/25 Works Cited (P&P)
____/130 Presentation (P&P)
____/15 Audience Participation (E&P)
____/85 Total Effort and Participation Points (E&P)
____/95 Total Classwork and Homework Points (C&H)
____/385 Total Paper and Project Points (P&P)
Education Reform Research Persuasive Speech Rubric- 130 points
Introduction- 15 points
-Introduction includes an attention getter & connection to audience0 1 2 3 4 5
-Speakers’ credibility is established0 1 2 3 4 5
-An overview of the speech is given with thesis 0 1 2 3 4 5
The Problem/Need (Body)- 20 points
-The problem is well-defined0 1 2 3 4 5
-The problem is well supported with examples and evidence0 1 2 3 4 5
-The problem is proven to be realistic and measurable0 1 2 3 4 5
-All research (no opinion based information)0 1 2 3 4 5
The Proposal/Solution (Body)- 20 points
-A thorough explanation of the plan is given including:0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
-what changes will be made
-when these changes will be implemented
-where the changes will take place
-how these changes will be implemented
-The anticipated goals/outcome of the plan is clearly described0 1 2 3 4 5
-Potential problems and concerns are anticipated and addressed (counter arguments)0 1 2 3 4 5
Conclusion/Call to Action- 10 points
-Central idea of the speech is restated with specific steps/measures needed0 1 2 3 4 5
-Speaker provides an effective, memorable ending appropriate to the audience0 1 2 3 4 5
Persuasive Elements- 25 points
-Speaker uses a variety of emotional and logical appeals in an ethical way0 1 2 3 4 5
-Speaker creates credibility through character, competence, and delivery0 1 2 3 4 5
-Supporting research is verbally cited and strengthens the argument0 1 2 3 4 5
-Transitions are used to between sections to aid movement through the speech0 1 2 3 4 5
-Overall message is easy to follow and effectively conveys the speakers point0 1 2 3 4 5
Speaker- 20 points
-Presentation is organized and obviously rehearsed; uses notes for details only0 1 2 3 4 5
-Eye contact with the audience is used to build credibility0 1 2 3 4 5
-Vocal volume, inflections, articulation, and rateare appropriate for content0 1 2 3 4 5
-Gestures, movements, and posture complement and add energy to the message0 1 2 3 4 5
- Informal Dress -10
Outline- 20 points
-Outline conforms to class sample0 1 2 3 4 5
-Introduction/Body/Conclusion are completed 0 1 2 3 4 5
-Sentence format, spelling, grammar, and punctuation0 1 2 3 4 5
-Transitions are completed and artfully connect sections0 1 2 3 4 5
*You must turn in a copy of your outline before your speech or you will earn zero points for the outline.
Length of Presentation______/5 minutes =______% of required time.
Percent of time met ______x ______points earned = Final Grade ______/130
Comments:
Education Reform Research Paper Rubric: 200 points
Introduction: 15 points
-Introduction contains a dynamic and appropriate attention getter0 1 2 3 4 5
-Introduction contains a strong thesis statement0 1 2 3 4 5
-Introduction contains a balance of information (not too much/too little)0 1 2 3 4 5
Body Paragraphs: 20 points
-Body paragraphs contain clear topic sentences0 1 2 3 4 5
-Body paragraphs contain transitions at the sentence and paragraph levels0 1 2 3 4 5
-Body paragraphs contain logical organizations and subplot0 1 2 3 4 5
-Body paragraph are of appropriate length/depth to support the topic sentence0 1 2 3 4 5
Background Information: 35 points
-Information on past and current practices0 1 2 3 4 5
-Information on past and current legislation0 1 2 3 4 5
-Information on your topic related to Ohio’s Education System0 1 2 3 4 5
-Information onyour topic related to National Education System0 1 2 3 4 5
-Information on your topic related to Global Education System0 1 2 3 4 5
-All research (no opinion based information)0 1 2 3 4 5
Survey: 20 points
-Demographics of the study show a diverse group of participants0 1 2 3 4 5
-Questions for survey are tailored to the topic0 1 2 3 4 5
-Data from the survey is analyzed0 1 2 3 4 5
-Reflection on results and how they will be used to create proposal0 1 2 3 4 5
Proposal for Reform: 40 points
-Need for the proposal is given in detail with research support0 1 2 3 4 5
-A thorough explanation of the plan is given including:
-what changes will be made0 1 2 3 4 5
-when these changes will be implemented0 1 2 3 4 5
-where the changes will take place0 1 2 3 4 5
-how these changes will be implemented 0 1 2 3 4 5
-The anticipated goals/outcome of the plan is clearly described0 1 2 3 4 5
-Potential problems and concerns are anticipated and addressed 0 1 2 3 4 5
-Proposal shows evidence of in-depth thought and analysis 0 1 2 3 4 5
Funding: 15 points
-Funding for this plan has been allocated through reasonable means0 1 2 3 4 5
-A thorough explanation of estimated cost of the plan is included0 1 2 3 4 5
-Calculations are accurate and assume all possible costs0 1 2 3 4 5
Conclusion: 15 points
-Conclusion restates the thesis statement0 1 2 3 4 5
-Conclusion avoids introducing new or irrelevant information0 1 2 3 4 5
-Conclusion creates a sense of closure and completeness0 1 2 3 4 5
Mechanics: 15 points
Essay uses proper spelling, punctuation, grammar, and capitalization0 1 2 3 4 5