Alabama Social Studies SS24.4.15d

Social Studies4th GradeCivil War and Reconstruction

The Standard

SS24.4.15: Identify major events of Reconstruction and evaluate the outcomes of Reconstruction policies.

Recount the contributions of Alabamians who helped shape their state during Reconstruction.

2024 Alabama Course of Study: Social Studies

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students tell how Benjamin S. Turner represented Alabama in Congress and how William Hooper Councill started a school to train Black teachers. They explain how each action changed government or education after the Civil War.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can name both men, describe what each did, and put their work in the Reconstruction years. They can explain that Turner gave Black Alabamians a voice in Congress, while Councill expanded education.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think freedom brought equal access to voting and schools right away. They may mix up Turner’s work in Congress with Councill’s work in education.
How to Assess It: On an exit ticket, ask: What did Turner do, what did Councill do, and how did one of their actions change Alabama?

Lesson moves

Give pairs an Alabama map and two biography cards; have them mark Selma for Turner and Huntsville for Councill.
Ask: How did Turner’s seat in Congress and Councill’s school change opportunities for Black Alabamians? Have students cite one fact each.
Play Who Am I? Read clues about Congress or Huntsville Normal School; students raise a Turner or Councill card.
Open Alabama A&M University’s website; students find its founding year and write how Councill’s school connects to the university.

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A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to SS24.4.15d, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

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