amend (verb) to change; to add to

• Sample Sentence: Many schools have amended their rules to try to legislate bullying.

• Turn and Talk: What rules would you amend at your school to make it safer for all students?

equity (noun) justice; fairness

• Sample Sentence: Giving every student access to education is a matter of equity.

• Turn and Talk: How can you promote equity in a race with people of different ages?

Equality means everyone is treated the same. Equity means everyone gets different treatment based on what they need to get equal results.

constitute (verb) to form; to create

• Sample Sentence: Punching, teasing, and spreading rumors all constitute bullying.

• Turn and Talk: What constitutes cyberbullying?

resolve (verb) to solve a problem

• Sample Sentence: Nevaeh always lets her sons resolve their arguments themselves.

• Turn and Talk: At what point should adults become involved in resolving conflicts between young people?

*resolve (noun) determination to do something; commitment

• Sample Sentence: Nothing could get in the way of Xin’s resolve to run for class president.

• Turn and Talk: What are some obstacles that might weaken a person’s resolve to do well in school?

legislate (verb) to create or control by making laws or rules

• Sample Sentence: Many people believe that schools should pass rules to legislate an end to bullying.

Turn and Talk: Do you think it’s possible for a school to legislate good behavior? Explain.

*alternate part of speech