Crawford Grade 11

Overview: Students use their voices to share their life experiences on different topics reflected in the American Dream and the Constitution.

Project Initiation: First, students began with American Values reflected in speeches (Obama, M.L King Jr.). Then they read literature from different periods that reflect Am. values. In their law class, students worked with STAR/PAL and Master Actor James Pillar of the Old Globe Theatre to develop personal monologues covering specific events in their journey thus far in life. In culmination, students performed their monologues before an audience, including one of the Chiefs of the San Diego Police Department. 

Project Exploration and Development: Students learned to gather information and evidence on public speaking and acquiring information from sources. Then, students explored the content from their Honors American Lit class to draft a speech on a topic relevant and important to them. Students collaborated on their ideas and first drafts for feedback and to narrow ideas. In the law class, students collaborated with their peers, STAR/PAL and Pillar to develop their personal stories. After the formal presentations, students reflected on the monologues they presented and used the learned skills to draft and project their TED Talks. 

Project Revision and Exhibition: In Am Lit, students submitted drafts of their TED Talks, received teacher feedback and evaluated and modified their talks. Student will next rehearse and present their formal speeches. In law, students made multiple monologue revisions and presented multiple times in small peer groups and to STAR/PAL and Pillar. In their reflection, students graded themselves and provided reasons in support thereof. In both classes, students were given rubrics for their formal presentations and grade. 

Teachers and Subjects: Brenda Bell Young-English, Monique Candor-Law