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L E V E L
SOCIAL STUDIES
Kentucky Academic Expectations and Learning Goals
Kentucky Academic Expectations
2.14 - Students understand the democratic principles of justice, equality, responsibility, and freedom and apply
them to real-life situations.
Core Content
SS-08-1.1.2 - Students will describe and give examples to support how democratic government in the United
States prior to Reconstruction functioned to preserve and protect the rights (e.g. voting), liberty and property of
their citizens by making, enacting and enforcing appropriate rules and laws (e.g. constitutions, laws, statues).
SS-08-1.3.2 - Students will explain and give examples of how, in order for the US government to function as a
democracy, citizens must assume responsibilities (e.g. participating in community activities, voting in elections)
and duties (e.g. obeying law. paying taxes, serving on a jury, registering for the military.)
THE SCENARIO
Many students today feel like the BCMS school dress code is unfair and violates their first amendment
Constitutional rights.
School
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THE HOOK
* In the Barren County Middle School Student Handbook, dress code number 13
states that "any clothing and accessories (jewelry, belt buckles, necklaces, etc.)
with obscene pictures, music groups or performers, confederate flags or
sayings alluding to drugs, death (this includes pictures of skulls, skulls and
crossbones, etc.), alcohol, tobacco, sex or violence (including wrestling) are
not permitted at Barren County Middle School. ANY STUDENT WEARING
ATTIRE PERTAINING TO ANY OF THE ABOVE ITEMS WILL BE ASKED TO
CHANGE CLOTHING AND ALC MAY FOLLOW."
* The five freedoms of the first amendment of the United States Constitution
states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of
the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the
Government for a redress of grievances."
MASTERY TASK
INTERPERSONAL TASK
Summarize the five freedoms of the first
amendment. Give examples of each as they relate
to you or this school.
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Discuss the controversy surrounding the school's
dress code prohibiting band and wrestling shirts.
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UNDERSTANDING TASK
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Even though you're given the right to a free
education there are rules and regulations put into
place for your safety and for a positive school
environment. If you had the opportunity to start your
own school what would be the five most important
rules for your school? Explain why you chose those
rules.
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Create a political cartoon representing one of the
five freedoms of the first amendment.
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SELF-EXPRESSIVE TASK
Authors
8th grade Social Studies teachers
Matt Gardner, Derek Atkinson, and Delenia Alls
Barren County Middle School
Silver Strong & Associates / Thoughtful Education Press 1.800.962.4432 ©2002. www.silverstrong.com
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