Oklahoma Social Studies TOT.C.9.8

Social StudiesGrades 9–12Content Standards

The Standard

Examine Gorbachev’s attempt to reform the Soviet Union, including the effects of perestroika and glasnost.

Oklahoma Academic Standards for Social Studies (2026)

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students explain why Gorbachev tried to change the Soviet economy and government. They describe how economic restructuring and greater openness affected public life and Soviet control.
What Mastery Looks Like: Students identify which reform allowed limited private business and which allowed more public criticism. They explain how criticism and demands for independence strained Soviet rule.
Common Misconceptions: Students may confuse the two reforms and call glasnost an economic policy. They may think Gorbachev planned to end the Soviet Union or that his reforms alone caused its collapse.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: A newspaper criticizes food shortages, and a factory gets more control over production. Name the reform shown in each example and explain one possible political effect.

Lesson moves

Give pairs six printed policy and newspaper cards to sort under perestroika or glasnost, then have them label one possible effect of each.
Ask students to write three sentences: Why might Gorbachev welcome public criticism, and how might it weaken his control?
Play a matching game with cards showing reforms and effects, such as new cooperatives and public criticism of officials.
Find a local news article criticizing a government decision; underline one claim and discuss how public criticism can pressure leaders to respond.

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A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to TOT.C.9.8, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

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