At the conclusion of this unit, the resource students will:
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· Identify the correct genre for a text.
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· Analyze a text/narrative voice for reliability and truthfulness.
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· Analyze real-world texts/digital sites for reliability and truthfulness.
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· Support analytical claims with two concrete details.
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· Evaluate sources to determine which are reliable and appropriate for use in a research paper.
Preparing for Transition: Real-World Skills
In addition to these goals, the unit also addresses real-world evaluation skills. In the realm of special education, once a student reaches the age of 15, planning begins for the transition from high school to life after high school. While students will be working towards different goals-4-year colleges, 2-year colleges, community college, trade school, jobs, or sheltered employment-they all need support in developing their practical real-life skills. In addition to this unit’s focus on evaluating voice in literary texts, students will analyze real-world texts and digital situations. Evaluating voice for truthfulness is a practical skill that will serve students in the real world. As students move from the support of their families towards independent living, they will continuously have to make these decisions on their own. Some of my students are particularly susceptible to having someone take advantage of their vulnerabilities. This unit will improve their skills at evaluation and discernment to address this weakness.
Reading and Responding
Another objective of the unit is to improve students’ abilities to write analytically. All of my students have difficulties expressing themselves through writing. When asked to write about a text, my students respond with a surface recounting of the basic plot details. Even when told specifically to avoid plot summaries, they are unable to write critically independently. This level of plot response does not indicate the critical thinking that educators must cultivate in students. Through the practice and discussion of this unit, students will develop an understanding of critical analysis of the author’s craft and the voice of the narrator.
