President+Obamas+State+of+The+Union+speech

= Current Events = = Students will be asked to conduct research on a specific current events writing piece and complete the task which follows: = = Task : Students will watch and analyze President Obamas State of The Union speech. = = Your response should include the following: = = -Your response should provide a gist of the issues President Obama spoke about. = = -Your response should describe at least two specific recommendations or plans that the president suggest for the future. = = -Your response should interpret why the President is focusing on these two ideas/plans. = = - Your response should include your opinion of the Presidents speech, did you like it? why or why not? = = (Use examples/quotes from his speech to tell why you liked or disliked his speech) =


 * CATEGORY || ** 4 ** || ** 3 ** || ** 2 ** || ** 1 ** ||
 * ** Organization ** || The Organizational structure of this paper enhances and showcases the central idea or theme of the paper; includes a satisfying introduction and conclusion. || The Organizational structure is strong enough to move the reader through the text without too much confusion. || The Organizational structure is recognizable, but does not address the task. || The writer lacks a clear sense of direction. ||
 * ** Ideas ** || The paper is clear and focused. It holds the reader’s attention. Relevant details enrich the central theme. || The writer is beginning to define the topic, even though development is still basic or general. || The writer has made a sincere attempt to define the topic, however there is little to no evidence of development. || The paper has no clear sense of purpose or central them. The reader must make inferences based on sketchy or missing details. ||
 * ** Grammar & Spelling (Conventions) ** || The writer demonstrates a good grasp of standard writing conventions (e.g., spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, usage, paragraphing) || The writer shows reasonable control over a limited range of standard writing conventions. || The writer makes 3-4 errors in grammar, spelling, capitalization, punctuation that distract the reader from the content. || Errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, usage and grammar and /or paragraphing repeatedly distract the reader and make the text difficult to read. ||
 * ** Commitment (Voice) ** || The writer speaks directly to the reader in a manner that is individual, compelling, engaging, and shows respect for the audience. The writer uses topic, details, and language to strongly connect with the audience and fully address the task. || The writer seems sincere, but not fully engaged or involved. The result is pleasant or even personable, but not compelling. The task is not fully addressed. || The writer attempts to use one or two reasons to show why the reader should care or want to know more about the topic, however it is unclear and vague. || The writer seems uninvolved with the topic and the audience. Purpose is unclear. Fails to connect with the audience. ||

__** Sample student notes generated during streaming of the speech: **__


 * Renewable energy - President Obama wants: **
 * 1 million electric cars on road in 2015.
 * Government needs to invest in developing new technologies, just like we did with NASA.
 * Bio medical technology & clean energy.
 * This will create new jobs, & keep us safe.
 * Education - President Obama said: **
 * Education starts at home with the family.
 * Class rooms should have high expectations & performance.
 * Race to the top means the state that finds the best ways to make students learn will get the most money from the government as a reward, it is a contest.
 * He wants every student to finish high school by the time there 18.