Document-Based Assessment for U.S. History Grades 6-8

Not really a "grabber" title, huh? What if I explained instead that these books offer students the opportunity to ponder historical issues in light of relevant historical documents and to then write an informed essay that answers that issue? Well, it still might not excite most students, but wow, what a great way to add a critical thinking and writing component to your study of American history! Each level contains 20-22 "Document-Based Questions" (or DBQs) to study, spanning American history from European exploration to the present time. Each DBQ lesson is titled with a question or issue and follows a similar format. The lesson begins with historical background on the issue, followed by a series of suggested steps for the student to use as they work their way through the lesson. In Part A, introductory and explanatory text surrounds excerpts from primary or secondary historical documents, with one or two questions following each excerpt. Documents may be letters, speeches, books written around the time of the issue, or secondary source documents from historians who have examined the documents and come to their own conclusions. The questions require the student to draw from the short excerpt and begin thinking about the issues. By the end of Part A, they have read several different excerpts and have seen multiple sides and viewpoints to the issue. At this point they're ready for Part B, the essay portion. Here they are expected to write an essay answering the lesson's question or issue by using what they have learned and supporting their opinions from the documents. A grading key at the end of the book offers answers for the questions, sample essays for each DBQ, and teacher comments.

Historical issues examined in the High School book include economic opportunities in the Colonies, growth of political parties, antebellum reforms, progressivism, clash of cultures in the 1920s, the civil rights movement, the separation of church and state, and more. Middle school issues include the motivation of Europeans to explore America, causes of the American Revolution, Indian removal, reconstruction, the New Deal, immigration, costs and benefits of winning WWII, and what our future will be like. Some of the same topics are found in both levels, although the level of coverage is different. This series is from a secular publisher, so you will not find much religious content, and you will find some more "politically correct" flavoring. On the other hand, much of the book is open-ended, and essays are more likely to be graded on structure and organization than on personal opinion! Whether you're a secular homeschooler, you enjoy exploring issues and debates, or if you can overlook the statements you may not agree with, these lessons offer a great opportunity for historical analysis and writing that would make a beneficial supplement to any U.S. history program. Jess