Brief Description

Students became incensed when they learned that Arizona is among the lowest ranked states in funding for education.   They asked to create a community service project that would bring this issue to the public during this election year.  In support of their project, we registered in the Teens Speak Out Project, and a website was created on the REACH web site, so that students and parents can check in to access resources and to keep tabs on the project.

Standards and Frameworks

Technology Standards

• 1T-E1. Communicate about accurate terminology
• 1T-P2. Make informed choices among technology systems, resources, and services
• 2T-F2. Practice responsible use of software
• 2T-E1 Discuss basic issues related to responsible use of technology and information and describe personal consequences of inappropriate use.
• 2T-E3 Demonstrates knowledge of current changes in technologies and the effect those changes have on the workplace and society.
• 3T-E1. Use formatting capabilities of technology tools for communicating and Illustrating
• 3T-E3 Publish and present information using technology tools
• 4T-E2 Use technology tools for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create curricular relates products for audiences inside and outside the classroom
• 4T-P2. Manage and communicate personal and professional information utilizing technology tools and resources
• 5T-E1. Locate information from electronic resources
• 5T-E2. Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness and bias of electronic information sources
• 6T-P2 Routinely and ethically use productivity tools, communication tools and research skills to solve a problem.

• W-P1: Writes in a variety of forms in order to communicate a specific message for a specific audience.
• 2SS-E6. Describe the structure, functions, and powers of the Arizona state and local governments and their relationship to the federal government.
• 2SS-E7. Explain the obligations and responsibilities of citizenship.

Academic

Students will successfully create a multi-media presentation, which involves presenting a brief on a selected problem. Each member of the class participates in all the tasks 90% of the time, writes a five paragraph brief in which the writing is at a level 5 of the Six Traits of Writing, and respond to questions following an oral presentation.

Technological

Students will successfully use a variety of technology. Each member of the class participates in all the tasks 90% of the time, use a computer to research and writes a five paragraph brief in which the writing is at a level 5 of the Six Traits of Writing.

Pre-Requisite Technology Skills

Students must demonstrate proper use of:

•  Computers and software
•  Scanner
•  Printer
•  Internet search engines
•  Digital camera
•  Telephone (interviews)

• Computers, Internet access, and publishing software
•  Scanner
•  Printer
•  Internet search engines
•  Digital camera
•  Telephone (interviews)
•  Audience to interview

• The students will experience many different jobs: recorder, writer, reporter, researcher, interviewer, and timekeeper .
• Students will seek out technical support from the school technology teacher, other students, and experts in the community.
• Students with academic challenges accept the support offered, so that their final product will be correct, appropriate, and within the editorial guidelines of the publication.
• Machines are arranged so that groups of students can access them readily.

Internet Address:  http://www.amphi.com/teachers/bwyckoff/teenspeakout

Production:

1. The students developed a problem statement for Project Citizen.
2. The class meets deadlines for completing their drafts.
3. They will submit their copy to the support editors prior to actual presenting.
4. Students complete the final brief, and send it to the printers.
5. Students then prepare a four-panel portfolio, compile a binder of research, a video of a portion of the presentation, and a final CD of the PowerPoint and video presentation.
6. Practice presentations are held before local policymakers.
7. Final hearings are held at La Cholla High School for Teens Speak Out.

Project Citizen/Teens Speak Out Rubric

Teacher Name: Brenda Wyckoff
Site: La Cima Middle School
Date Submitted: March 3, 2004