Texas TEKS 4.15

4.15 is a TEKS knowledge and skills statement. These are the student expectations under it.

• 4.15.A

  identify important individuals who have participated voluntarily in civic affairs at state and local levels such as Adina de Zavala and Clara Driscoll

• 4.15.B

  explain how individuals can participate voluntarily in civic affairs at state and local levels through activities such as respectfully holding public officials ...

• 4.15.C

  explain the duty of the individual in state and local elections such as being informed and voting

• 4.15.D

  identify the importance of historical figures and important individuals who modeled active participation in the democratic process such as Sam Houston, Barbara ...

• 4.15.E

  explain how to contact elected and appointed leaders in state and local governments

• 4.15.F

  use voting as a method for group decision making.

01

What Students Need to Do

Students describe how Texans such as Adina de Zavala, Clara Driscoll, and Barbara Jordan took part in public life. They explain ways people can serve communities, preserve historic places, contact leaders, and prepare to vote. They also use voting to make group decisions.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

Students can connect a Texas civic leader to a specific contribution. Given a community issue, they can choose a useful civic action and explain how to contact the right leader. They can cast and count ballots fairly after reviewing information.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may think civic participation only means voting or running for office. They may believe only adults can contact leaders or help with community projects. They may confuse appointed leaders with elected leaders or assume majority rule means minority views should be ignored.

04

How to Assess It

Exit ticket: Name one Texas civic leader and describe that person's contribution, then explain how you would contact a local leader about an issue. Add why voters should study candidates and issues before voting.

1. 01

   Give groups photo and biography cards for four Texas civic leaders, then match each person to a contribution and justify each match.

2. 02

   Write a six-sentence response: Which civic action would best protect a threatened local landmark, and why?

3. 03

   Run a mock city council vote using an issue card, option fact sheets, paper ballots, and a class tally.

4. 04

   Use a city or county website to find one official, then draft a respectful email asking for action on a local concern.

• 8.20

  Citizenship. The student understands the importance of voluntary individual participation in the democratic process. The student is expected to:

• 7.17

  Citizenship. The student understands the importance of effective leadership in a democratic society. The student is expected to:

• 7.16

  Citizenship. The student understands the importance of the expression of different points of view in a democratic society. The student is expected to:

• 5.17

  Citizenship. The student understands the importance of individual participation in the democratic process at the local, state, and national levels. The student ...