Virginia SOL CE.9.c
The Standard
explaining the role that individuals play in the political policy-making process by expressing their opinions formally or informally via print media, electronic media, or in-person
Virginia Standards of Learning for History and Social Science · The student will apply history and social science skills to explain the role of the media and social media and the influence on local, state, and national levels of government by
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students choose a government issue and communicate an opinion to officials or the public. They use letters, emails, social media posts, public comments, or conversations. They explain how these messages can affect government decisions and public support.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students identify the right government audience and choose a suitable communication method. They state a clear position, support it with reasons, request an action, and explain how the message could influence policy.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think voting is the only way individuals influence government. They may assume a popular social media post automatically changes policy or that every online claim is reliable. They may also contact the wrong level of government.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: A town plans to close a public park. Name one formal and one informal way to respond, identify the audience, and explain how each could influence the decision.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups message and audience cards to match, then have students label each communication as formal or informal.
Write a 75-word email to a school board member about later start times, using one reason and one requested action.
Play Channel Challenge by drawing an issue and audience, then choosing a suitable print, electronic, or in-person response.
Examine a city council agenda, choose one item, and draft a public comment that could be delivered at the meeting.
Free download
Printable CE.9.c Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CE.9.c, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetKeep exploring
Related Standards
- CE.9
The student will apply history and social science skills to explain the role of the media and social media as well as its influence on local, state, and nationa...
- CE.9.a
explaining the role and rights of the press in reporting events;
- CE.3.b
explaining the state lawmaking process;
- CE.9.d
evaluating the effect of social media on political campaigns, politics, and civic discourse;
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.
Also for this standard:Make a WorksheetMake a QuizMake a Sub Lesson