Presentation Session II

This study aims to determine how can a secondary social studies teacher candidate use writing assignments to support civic engagement. As a new teacher navigating a polarizing political climate the need to develop civic engagement skills seems more than necessary. However, as teachers we must balance the need to teach to our content standards. To this regard students were tasked with writing assessments that aimed to develop civic engagement values and skills alongside developing an understanding of the 1920s. Initial findings suggest student understanding of progress throughout history and further need for systemic change.