I. Abstract
1. ACSS goals can be achieved through promotion of reading in the social studies classroom. The main goal to be achieved through this project is to improve reading comprehension of our high school social studies students. This can be accomplished through reading historical novels in history class. Expansion of our AP U.S. History and Pre-AP Civics programs is needed and a goal is to provide more historical novels to incorporate into these advanced classes.
2. Novels will be used during different time periods throughout the history courses.
3. Students will be able to improve their reading comprehension while reading historical novels. The material being read can be tied directly to what is being studied.
II. Statement of Need:
A.
The students in our high school struggle with low reading levels, even on the advanced level in some instances. Our school at the present time is having very serious financial difficulties and money for the classroom is not available. Through this grant, the Bald Knob High School Social Studies Department will be able to help improve reading comprehension as well as incorporate language arts into the classes.
B.
The request is for classroom sets of novels. These novels will be shared among four Social Studies teachers. This could impact as many as 300 students.
III. Methodology:
Novels will be incorporated into the curriculum at various points throughout the school year. As far as facilities and equipment are concerned, storage of the novels is all to be considered. There is plenty of shelf space in the Social Studies Department to accommodate the novels.
IV. Personnel
Lois Blanton, Tony Black, Steve Rose, and Mason Moody are the teachers involved in using the novels. Each teacher will be responsible for maintenance and sharing of the novels as well as incorporating them into the curriculum.
ACSS will be credited in any and all advertising concerning the grant funding.
V. Budget
The following novels are being considered for purchase:
- The Devil in the White City - $14.95 – 20 - $299.00 (The Gilded Age)
- Beyond The Western Sea: Escape From Home – $6.99 – 30 - $209.70 (1840s immigration)
- Night - $5.99 – 10 - $59.90 total (Holocaust)
The total for the novels will be $568.60. If the novels are purchased at an educational discount, the amount spent will be approximately $454.88. Any funds left available, will be used to purchase various resource books to be used for history research such as National History Day Project.
VI. Evaluation
Evaluations are attached that will be used for the various novels.
VII. Lesson Plan Objective
Objective: Students will compare and contrast different ideas in the book with historical events such as immigration during the 1840s, the Gilded Age, the Holocaust, and World War II.
Arkansas Frameworks covered: Night-WC.18.AH.8, The Devil in the White City-PO.11.AH.2, Beyond The Western Sea: Escape From Home-EUS.1.AH.9, IN.7.AH.1
