Instructions

**__Objective:__**  Students will:  1. **Effectively search for and evaluate appropriate current event articles. (1.2, 8.1) **  2. **Utilize a variety of print and electronic current event sources throughout the course. (1.8, 1.2) **  3. **Read and comprehend current events on local, state, national and international levels. (8.1, 7.4, 1.2) **  4. **Express, through a variety of means, their personal opinions and views of current events. (1.5, 1.6) **  5. **Determine the impact of the events on their personal lives, the local area, the region, the nation, and/or the world. (8.1) **  6. **Connect current events to topics studied in Ninth Grade Seminar. (8.1, 8.3) **

**Keep in mind rules of etiquette for the discussion board. ** ** //1. This program is being utilized for school assignments, therefore, school rules apply.// ** **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> //2. In writing your opinion on a topic, make sure you're not going to be offensive to anyone as you write it.// ** **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> //3. Always make sure you check over your post for spelling errors, grammar errors, and your use of words.// ** **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> //4. Watch your language! This is a graded assignment and should be reflective of maturity and professionalism.// ** **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> //5. Make sure things you write about are factual. Don't post about things that aren't true.// ** **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> 6. //Keep it education-oriented. That means that you shouldn't discuss your plans for// **//<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> the weekend. //

**__<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Rubric __** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 130%;">As this assignment is a weekly homework/class work grade, students will be assessed on the following rubric.
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 130%;">CATEGORY || **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">2 ** || **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">1 ** || **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">0 ** ||
 * **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Evidence and Examples ** || <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 130%;">All of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author's position. || <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 130%;">At least one of the pieces of evidence and examples is relevant and has an explanation that shows how that piece of evidence supports the author's position. || <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 130%;">Evidence and examples are NOT relevant AND/OR are not explained. ||
 * **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Position Statement ** || <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 130%;">The position statement provides a clear statement of the author's position on the topic. || <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 130%;">A position statement is present, but does not make the author's position clear. || <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 130%;">There is no position statement. ||
 * **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Presentation ** || <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 130%;">Student provides information on the day of presentation. || <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 130%;">Student provides limited information on the day of presentation. || <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 130%;">Student does not participate, or their participation is derogaatory. ||