Conflict+and+Consensus

===Chapter 11 in the Doing History text discusses the pivotal role social studies education plays in the study of conflict and consensus in America. As we discussed during the first week of this course one of the paramount goals of social studies education is to develop the conceptual understanding and skills of students so they can be constructive participants in our democratic and pluralistic society. Obviously, understanding conflict and building consensus figure prominently in the evolution of democratic citizenship.===

===To explore conflict and consensus in the social studies we will be completing several activities in our groups. First, each group will examine selected vignette from the textbook and describe how the teachers plan and organize their instruction and scaffolding to ensure that these issues are investigated and discussed in a way that models how citizens would approach these same issues in a democratic society. Post your insights and ideas about these vignettes below your assigned groups.===

===Examine the article entitled "Texas limiting New AP Tests Influence" and describe how this debate touches on the role of social studies as a discipline that should prepare our students to deal with conflict or as a vehicle to nurture consensus and develop core American values in our students. In your responses, include examples/quotes from this article that support your assertions. Post your group's response to this question below:===

===For this final activity review the fact sheet produced by the College Board called "Get the Facts about the Advanced Placement U.S. History Redesign". Address the following bullets and post your group's response to these bullets below:===

===How does this exam address this goal of social studies education that stresses the development of democratic citizenship in our students. Based on this analysis, does this new AP exam stress conflict resolution or value consensus development or both in this assessment?===

===How is disciplined inquiry and the use of primary sources assessed in this AP exam? Provide examples of how this is evident in this assessment? Based on this exam, would you argue that disciplined inquiry through the analysis of primary sources is a significant theme in history/social studies education? Explain your response with examples===