School Improvement in Maryland
INTRODUCTION
 
This packet is designed for Maryland social studies teachers to use with their high school government courses. It was created in response to a shift in civic education in our state: a move away from the rote memorization needed for the Maryland Test of Citizenship Skills and towards the critical thinking skills necessary for the new High School Assessment Program.

These materials will enable teachers to teach seven specific critical thinking skills in a step-by-step process. The skills included in this packet are:

There is a template for each skill that can be used every time students practice the skill. A sample lesson plan linking the critical thinking skill with the Government Core Learning Goals and the Skills for Success is also included, along with a completed template showing sample student responses.

Success on the Government High School Assessment will depend upon several factors:

  • Instruction based on the Core Learning Goals and Skills for Success
  • Students’ ability to analyze, interpret, and understand key concepts
  • Students’ ability to construct well-written responses

A copy of the Social Studies Rubric can be found at the end of this packet. Teachers should use this with writing assignments throughout the year to familiarize students with the four levels of writing competency.
 

Acknowledgements

Many people contributed time and ideas for this Critical Thinking Strategies packet. We would like to especially thank the following contributors:
 

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Crawford W. Dennard

Baltimore City Public Schools
 

Carl Holston

Harford County Public Schools
 

Stacie Siers

Wicomico County Public Schools
 

Shelley Terry

Prince Georges County Public Schools
 

Linda H. Yienger

Maryland State Department of Education
 
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