Virginia SOL S.CE.h

Social Studies7th Grade

The Standard

engaging and communicating as a civil and informed individual with persons with different perspectives

Virginia Standards of Learning for History and Social Science

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students listen closely, identify another person’s claim and evidence, and respond with relevant facts. They ask clarifying questions and challenge ideas without attacking the speaker.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can summarize an opposing view fairly before stating a response. The student uses evidence, respectful language, and an accurate answer to a counterargument.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think being respectful means agreeing or avoiding hard questions. They may interrupt, use personal labels, rely on unsupported opinions, or misrepresent another person’s position.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: Read two opposing statements about a school phone policy. Summarize one view, ask one clarifying question, and write a respectful, evidence-based reply.

Lesson moves

Have pairs sort cards into claims, evidence, respectful responses, and personal attacks, then revise each personal attack.
Discuss whether schools should limit phone use, requiring each student to summarize the previous speaker before responding.
Run a response relay where teams earn points for accurate summaries, relevant evidence, clarifying questions, and respectful wording.
Read two public comments from a local issue, then draft a factual email that acknowledges both views and states a position.

Keep exploring

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