Social Studies
The Lost Year
The "lost year" refers to the 1958-59 school year in Little Rock, Pulaski County, when the city's high schools were closed in an effort to block desegregation. Students will examine the driving force that led to the "lost year" and how students like Jim Guy Tucker impacted by this decision to close the schools.
Handouts:
Prison Reform
This lesson focuses on the Prison Reform Movement and its response to society changes between 1967-1990 using the Cummins Unit, Lincoln County, Arkansas. Students will assess the role social institutions play in society, examine the importance of norms and values to a culture and the effects on social structure, and examine factors that lead to social inequality.
Whitewater
What was the Whitewater Scandal about? How did it change Arkansas? In this lesson students will evaluate various influences on political parties during the electoral process.
Vietnam War (Second Indochina War)
During this lesson, students will analyze sources of conflict and confrontation during the post-WWII era and compare the complex causes of early 20th c. rebellions worldwide.
Handouts:
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- Excerpts from Jim Guy Tucker's Arkansas Men at War
- Social consciousness in music assignment outline for Marvin Gaye's lryics "What's Going On"
- Lyrics to Marvin Gaye's song "What's Going On"
- Analytical Writing Rubric for Marvin Gaye's lyrics
Ashley Richardson is an English teacher at LISA Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas, and is in her sixth year as a teacher. She double majored in English and history and has a master's degree in teaching.