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Truth in California Textbooks ReviewMcGraw Hill Grade 4 IMPACT: California Social Studies, 2019Problem: Omission of Fact (OF), Half-Truth (HT), Factual Error (FE), Slant (S), Bias (B), Incorrect Terminology (IT)OF means that there is additional useful information to help students learn complete history. The author/publisher has not deliberately omitted material to fulfill an agenda. HT means that the author/publisher has presented "half of the story" and has omitted the other half for agenda-based reasons. HT leads to slant and bias.LocationQuoteProblemFact & SourceRC, chapter 1, page 6, Research Companion, first paragraph, 3rd sentenceLike many villages of the Maidu people, Yotowi’s was nestled in tall silver pines above a lake. Here the Maidu were protected from white men camping on the shore and yet were near the oak trees along the lake and the animals they hunted.BIt concerns me that the “white men” are presented as the bad people, without any historical information about the designation. Reviewer suggests removal of this sentence. Or the addition of some corroborating material. RC, chapter 1, lesson 1, page 9, 1st paragraph, Research Companion, first paragraphWhen using a globe to describe a location on Earth, we use imaginary lines that go all the way around. Imagine drawing a line around the middle of the sphere. This is the equator on the globe. Next, imagine drawing a line from the top of the sphere to the bottom. The top point of a globe is the North Pole, and the bottom is the South Pole. The imaginary line connecting the North and South Poles is the Prime Meridian.OFThere is literally an infinite number of lines one can draw from the top of the sphere to the bottom. The Prime Meridian is precisely defined to go from the North Pole, through Greenwich, England, then to the South Pole., chapter 1, lesson 1, page 10, last paragraph, Research Companion, first paragraphTwo special lines of latitude mark the boundary of the tropics. The Tropic of Cancer is the northern boundary of the tropics. It marks the most northern part of Earth where the sun is directly overhead. The Tropic of Capricorn is the southern boundary of the tropics. This line marks the most southern part of Earth where the sun is directly overhead.OFIt would be important to indicate what latitude each is (23.5 degrees north and 23.5 degrees south). And when is the Sun “directly overhead”? It is for at least one day of the year at local noon., chapter 1, lesson 2, page 20, last paragraphThe desert region of California is large. Like most of the west, this region is arid, meaning water is scarce. Despite its arid climate, the desert is home to unique plants and animals.OFThe Imperial Valley located in the desert region is an agricultural marvel.“Modern irrigation — aided by the Hoover Dam and the All-American Canal — transformed the Imperial Valley from a hostile desert into an agricultural marvel: a testament to generations of farmers and their use of cheap and plentiful water. Crops bring an annual harvest of more than $2 billion.”Despite drought, water flowing freely in the Imperial Valley – By Tony Perry, chapter 1, lesson 2, page 24, Research Companion, 2nd paragraph, 2nd sentence, line 8The formation of these resources took millions of years and when they are used up, there is no replacement.SThe age of the earth is not settled science. The earth may or may not be millions of years old.Reviewer suggests this sentence be modified or removed.RC, chapter 2, lesson 1, page 74In 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain in search of a new route to Asia. Earlier travelers had headed east following a land route to Asia. Columbus hoped to get there more easily by sailing west. He and his ships crossed the Atlantic Ocean, but instead of Asia they found the Caribbean Islands.OF“The truth is that Columbus set out for the New World thinking he would spread Christianity to regions where it didn’t exist. While Columbus, and certainly his Spanish benefactors, had an interest in the goods and gold he could return from what they thought would be Asia, the explorer’s primary motivation was religious.“This conviction that God destined him to be an instrument for spreading the faith was far more potent than the desire to win glory, wealth, and worldly honors,” wrote historian Samuel Eliot Morison over a half-century ago.”The Truth About Columbus by Jarrett Stepman, October 6, 2017 – The Daily Signal. , chapter 2, lesson 4, page 106, Impact on the RegionSpanish colonization had a huge impact on the California Indians and the environment. The Spanish brought Christianity, the Spanish language and culture, and agriculture to the area.The missionaries influenced the California Indians to change their religion, language, and much about their daily lives. California Indians participated in colonial life in many ways. For example, California Indian men held some leadership roles in the missions. They sometimes were members of mission choirs and orchestras, too. The physical growth of the missions was largely due to the hard work of the California Indians.The establishment of the pueblos brought people of different backgrounds to California. The farms introduced new crops and animals. As a result, the land changed from wilderness to farmland. California Indian trails became routes that connected the missions, presidios and pueblos.Some settlers brought European diseases that killed thousands of California Indians. Other California Indians died from the hard work and poor living conditions. In a short time, the California Indians’ homeland became a Spanish colony with a mixed population.OF“Prior to the Spanish Christian Missions, the Indian culture regarded manual labor as the role of women, as it was considered degrading for men. Spanish Christian Missionaries taught men to work in industry and introduced into California irrigation and oranges, grapes, apples, peaches, pears, figs, cattle, sheep, horses, mules, burros, goats and swine.Spanish Christian Missions introduced the Indians to the wheeled cart, which had been in existence in Mesopotamia since the 4th millennium B.C., and the wheelbarrow, which was invented in China in the second century B.C. Spanish Christian Missions built foundries, introducing Indians to the Iron Age with blacksmith furnaces smelting and fashioning iron into nails, crosses, gates, hinges, and cannons.”American Minute: The True Source of California's Wealth by Bill Federer. History of the Golden State. Published: 09/08/2017. , chapter 4, lesson 2, page 173, textThe rush to California during the Gold Rush created a diverse population. By 1850, 25 percent of the people living in California were born outside the United States. The Gold Rush resulted in the largest mass migration in U.S. history. Asians, Latin Americans, Europeans, and people from the eastern United States arrived with dreams of become rich. The migration transformed settlements, politics, and daily life.OF great African American Migration (1916-1930) and the New Great Migration (1910-1970) were greater.RC, chapter 4, lesson 2, page 173, textBefore the discovery of gold, only about 157,000 people lived in California. By the mid-1850s, more than 300,000 additional people lived there. The customs of the diverse newcomers affected the culture of California. The merchant William Perkins commented in 1849: “Here were to be seen people of every nation in all varieties of costume, and speaking 50 different languages, and yet all mixing together amicably and socially.” The newcomers were willing to endure hardship and danger. They helped to create the California spirit of independence and determination.HT accommodate the needs of the ’49ers, gold mining towns had sprung up all over the region, complete with shops, saloons, brothels and other businesses seeking to make their own Gold Rush fortune. The overcrowded chaos of the mining camps and towns grew ever more lawless, including rampant banditry, gambling, prostitution and violence. San Francisco, for its part, developed a bustling economy and became the central metropolis of the new frontier. (second paragraph after Heading THE ’49ERS COME TO CALIFORNIA)RC, chapter 4, lesson 3, page 191, textChoose three words from the chapter Word Bank. For each of those words, find a word or phrase that has the same meaning. Write the synonym you found for each word. For example, for the word amendment, a synonym might be addition or correction. Get together with a partner and switch word lists. Take turns using each new word in a sentence.OFWhere is the “chapter Word Bank”? Is it the list of words on pp. 138-139 of the Inquiry Journal? This needs clarification.RC, chapter 5, page 192, Timeline1861 Telegraph wires connect East and West.OF1861 Civil War Begins omitted.On the same timeline on page 209 US Civil War end 1865 is included.RC, chapter 5, page 193, Diagram of Trans Continental RailroadThe transcontinental railroad passed through many different types of terrain. It linked one coast of the nation to the other. 1. Why is the section from the West Coast a lot shorter than the section from the East?2. Why was half of the transcontinental railroad not built by the Union Pacific or the Central Pacific?FEUnable to answer questions from diagram.RC, chapter 5, page 194 LiteratureYao Bai and the Egg PiratesBThis story is about a poor Chinese family trying to feed themselves and the bad pirates trying to steal from them. The picture of the “pirate” looks like an old white man dressed in clothes of the times. How does this “literature” reflex the title of the chapter “A Growing State” or the Essential Question “How Did California Change After Becoming a State?RC, chapter 5, page 198, heading “People You Should Know”, 2nd column: Mary Tape, 4th sentence, 7th – 10th linesEven after the California Supreme Court ruled in Mamie’s favor, the school system barred her because she didn’t have her vaccinations.HT, B, S, Even today students are barred from public school when they don’t have vaccinations. Reviewer recommends that the sentence be changed as follows: “The California Supreme Court ruled in Mamie’s favour. The school barred her again, because on this occasion, she did not have her vaccination certificates.RC, chapter 5, page 198, heading “People You Should Know”, 2nd column: Mary Tape, 4th sentence, 7th – 10th linesTape wrote letters and continued her fight.B, SThe Reviewer recommends that this sentence be removed.RC, chapter 5, lesson 2, page 216, Did You Know?In 1868, the United States signed a treaty with China. Within its articles, both nations agreed to respect the rights of citizens to move from one country to the other.1882 The Chinese Exclusion Act directly violated the terms of the treaty, and relations between the two nations weakened.HT, OFIn 1880, 2 years before the Chinese Exclusion Act, The Angell Treaty was signed in Peking. It suspended immigration. , chapter 5, lesson 2, page 184What would have been another way to handle the problems that led to the Chinese Exclusion Act? Imagine you were a legislator at that time, and propose an alternative to the act.HT, S, BThe students were not given the complete story in the Research Companion so the students were unable to completely understand the situation.Railroad complete in 1869Angell Treaty in 1880, chapter 5, page 231Affix from the Word BankOFWhat and where is the Word Bank?IJ, chapter 5, lesson 3, page 189Another water project was suggested to solve the problem, but it was voted down. Instead, people came up with another solution. They started to conserve, or save water. For example, many took shorter showers, stopped watering their lawns, and collected rainwater. Farmers also took steps to conserve water by watering their farmland in new and different ways. Today, many people in California are doing these same things to deal with drought.HTThis gives student reassurance that these small conservation methods are a solution to a very big problem. The Water Fix has not been voted down and is still in hearings., chapter 6, lesson 1, page 242, 2nd paragraphThe Southern Pacific Company was one of the most powerful companies in California. It controlled most of the railroads in the state……OFStudents need to know that this paragraph is describing a monopoly.RC, chapter 6, lesson 1, page 247, 2nd paragraph, 2nd, 3rd, 4th sentence.They worked to remove Mexicans and Mexican Americans. Many people with Mexican ancestry, including U.S. citizens, were forced to leave the country. This was a violation of their rights.OF, B, SThe reviewer is assuming that “Mexicans” are not in the U.S. legally, and “Mexican Americans” are American citizens.Deporting illegal aliens from the U.S. is not a violation of their rights. They have violated U.S. immigration laws. “In California alone, approximately 400,000 American citizens and legal residents of Mexican ancestry were forced to go to Mexico,” and, “In total, it is estimated that two million people of Mexican ancestry were forcibly relocated to Mexico, approximately 1.2 million of whom had been born in the United States….” (California Legislature, 2005–2006).There is good reason for scholars to be cautious before accepting the three tenets of this conventional tale: That returns were forced, that federal officials carried them out, and that they reached the magnitudes claimed. The evidence for these assertions is often weak or entirely lacking. The Civil Rights Commission, for example, listed sources, but none provided any verifiable evidence for the total number forcibly returned, for federal involvement, or for the extent of citizenship among those repatriated. reviewer suggests that 4th sentence be removed if by “Mexicans” the text is referring to persons who are illegal aliens. RC, chapter 6, lesson 3, page 266, bottom of page, heading “What Do You Think?”Do you think a boycott can be an effective way to bring about change? Why or why not?B, SThe Reviewer finds this text to be promoting forms of protest such as boycotts as a means to achieving change. There are a variety of ways to resolve conflict. Boycotting may be one of them, however, other options should be considered.Students should be encouraged to see free speech and the debate of ideas as the most desirable first step to resolving conflict.Students need to understand that they will need to cooperate with others who may not share their worldview.The Reviewer recommends that this question be removed.RC, chapter 6, page 271, heading Synonym Sense, 1st sentenceThe words reform and segregation are found in this chapter’s Word Bank.OFThe reviewer cannot find the Word Bank.EM, chapter 6, page 74, heading: Escaping The DustWhen they arrived in California, however, they discovered that 1.3 million other refugees had the same idea.IT, FEPeople moving within national borders are not “refugees”.Refugees according to the UNHCR definition are people who are outside the country of their nationality.According to the UNHCR, people moving within their own country are IDP’s (Internally Displaced Persons)., chapter 6, page 74, bottom right hand corner Word BlastWhat clues does the paragraph give you to the meaning of refugees? Tell what the word means. Check your answer.IT, FEIn this context, the meaning of the word is erroneous.The Reviewer suggests the Word Blast be removed.EM , chapter 6, page 75, heading Weedpatch Camp, 1st sentenceIn this fictional account, the author writes about life as a Dust Bowl refugee.IT, FEPeople fleeing the hardship created by the Dust Bowl are not refugees (see two entries above).RC, chapter 7, Timeline, page 2721986 Wole Soyinka of Nigeria first African to win Noble Prize for LiteratureBWhy is this man so important? What about Gabriel García Márquez in 1982? No one had ever won from Columbia. The point is that the choices are made on this timeline have a definite slant and have nothing to do with California social studies.RC, chapter 7, Literature, page 274Seacoast Secret Sea otters have been protected by law since 1911, but we’re afraid that poachers would hunt them if the word gets out,” Dr. Backus said. Before leaving, he had each of us solemnly swear that we would not reveal the sea otter secret. BThis story is set in 1935. This chapter is about why California has been a cultural and economic leader since the 1950’s. What makes the story relevant? Is this another opportunity to disparage everyday Californians? The stories are very negative.RC, chapter 7, lesson 1, page 283, GraphCalifornia: Main Areas of the Economy, 2014OFTechnology is not on the graph. Technology brought $715 billion in sales in 2015. This was 52 percent of all U.S. technology sales. , chapter 7, lesson 1, California Companies, pages 286-287Larry Page and Sergey Brin Google Jerry Yang and David Filo YahooPrimary Source and Talk: What contributions did Jerry Yang and Sergey Brin make? How did they influence other entrepreneurs?SOn page 287 Primary Source quotes and Collaborate section only mention Brin and Yang, not Page or Filo. This book constantly wants to discuss the accomplishments of immigrants. Brin and Yang are Americans. Can’t the students be proud of that?IJ, chapter 7, lesson 1, page 237, map of Pacific Basin and the caption beneathCalifornia also exports a lot of goods and services to other countries around the Pacific Basin. Look at the map to find some top trading partners such as China and Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.OFThe caption is asking the student to look at the map to find California’s top trading partners, however, it is not clear from looking at the map who those partners are. The caption beneath states what some of them are, but not all (because of the use of the term “such as”), but looking at the map does not provide this information.The reviewer suggests stating the entire list of trading partners (without asking students to look at the map for the answer).RC, chapter 7, lesson 2, page 294, Protest Songs and Art, 1st paragraph, 1st sentenceProtest songs can communicate important ideas.B, SStudents need to understand that people (themselves included), will form different worldviews as a result of their experiences.Students should be encouraged to read information from a variety of sources, and to think for themselves.The Reviewer recommends this sentence be changed to read as follows: “Protest songs communicate the ideas and opinions of the songwriter.”RC, chapter 7, lesson 2, page 294, Protest Songs and Art, 1st paragraph, 3rd sentence 6th–8th linesThey alert people to injustice and the need for change.B, SSee entry directly above.A protest song is communicating an opinion, not facts.The reviewer recommends that the sentence be changed to read as follows: “They alert people to the songwriter’s opinions. For example, the songwriter perceives that something is unjust, and there is a need for change.”RC, chapter 7, lesson 2, page 294, Protest Songs and Art, 1st paragraph, 6th, 7th sentence 13th –17th linesThe songs can have an effect on the listener’s feelings. The songs can help people form opinions about certain issues in society.B, SSee one above previous entry.Students should be encouraged to form opinions through research that is factual rather than based on feelings.The reviewer recommends these sentences be removed.RC, chapter 7, lesson 2, page 294, Protest Songs and Art, 3rd paragraph, 2nd 3rd sentenceOne of his most famous songs is “This Land is Your Land”. The message of this song is that all people are equally welcome in our country, and that everybody should be free to go anywhere in the country.B, SThe reviewer has noticed a very pro-immigrant slant throughout the text.The reviewer recommends the entire paragraph be removed.RC, chapter 7, lesson 2, page 295, Stop and CheckTalk How can literature or protest songs be effective ways to communicate ideas?B, SStudents should be encouraged to see free speech and the debate of ideas as the most desirable first step to resolving conflict.Students need to understand that they will need to cooperate with others who may not share their worldview.The reviewer recommends this question be removed.RC, chapter 7, lesson 2, page 295, What Do You Think?What is your opinion about the importance of protest songs today? Do you think they are less important or more important? Give reasons to defend your opinion.B, SSee entry directly above.The reviewer is of the impression that this text overall is promoting activism as a preferred method to affect social change. The reviewer suggests this question be removed. RC, chapter 7, lesson 3, page 304-305, Photo and CaptionLarge photo over 2 pages, the caption: Wind turbines produce electricity using wind power.SThe Wind Energy is only 4.4% according to the California: Sources of Electrical Energy, 2014. It gives the student the wrong impression of the importance Wind Energy and it doesn’t address its adverse environmental impact., chapter 8, timeline on page 311, last entry2011New law allows undocumented immigrants to receive state aid for college.FE, S, BUndocumented immigrant is a politically correct term for illegal alien.In the US, an undocumented individual is a person who lacks the required documentation to reside legally in the US.undocumented: not documented; not supported by documentary evidence; lacking documents required for legal immigration or residence. reviewer has noted a very pro-immigrant slant throughout the text, including this example, which seeks to blur the distinction between legal and illegal immigrant.The Reviewer recommends it be removed from the timeline.RC, chapter 8, page 311, Exploring Geography, question 1How does the location of the current capital differ from the location of most of the former capitals?OFThe previous capital of San Jose was less than 2yrs. Is never mentioned in the text. It’s a question with no answer., chapter 8, page 316, People You Should KnowJerry Brown-So he turned down the governor’s mansion and limousine and continued to live in his small apartmentFEIn 2015, Gov. Brown moved into the Governor’s Mansion., chapter 8, lesson 1, heading Our Constitution and Federal Government, page 318, 4th sentence, 4th, 5thlineThe United States is a democracy, or a government that is run by its people.FE, ITThe United States is a Constitutional Republic reviewer recommends that democracy be changed to constitutional republic. RC, chapter 8, lesson 1, page 320, 1st sentenceFrom the time the country first gained its independence, the United States was a democracy.FE, ITSee entry directly above.The reviewer recommends that democracy be changed constitutional republic.RC, chapter 8, lesson 3, page 338, 2nd paragraphHowever, some citizens resist new immigrants. Californians can propose new laws. These propositions are put on a ballot. In 1986, Proposition 63 sought to make English the official language of California. Nearly 75 percent of voters approved. Then in 1994, Proposition 187 won almost 60 percent voter approval. Proposition 187 would have taken public benefits away from residents with no legal status. After challenges by federal lawsuits, the propositions were defeated. But it was clear that, at times, immigrants were not welcome.BAll Americans started as immigrants. We are a nation of laws. This passage fails to make the important distinction between immigrants who came to the US legally and illegally.RC, chapter 8, lesson 3, page 338, 2nd paragraph, 2nd sentenceHowever, some citizens resist new immigrants.OF, B, SCitizens that oppose immigration often have valid reasons for doing so. This sentence should not be here on its own without at least some explanation as to why.The Reviewer recommends this sentence be removed. RC, chapter 8, lesson 3, page 338, 2nd paragraph, 7th sentence, 7th and 8th linesProposition 187 would have taken public benefits away from residents with no legal status.B, S, FEThe reviewer understands that the phrase “residents with no legal status” is another term for illegal alien.The Reviewer recommends this sentence be removed.RC, chapter 8, lesson 3, page 338, 2nd paragraph, last sentenceBut it was clear that, at times, immigrants were not welcome.B, SInasmuch as there is no source for this statement, this Reviewer suggests that the Editor preface it with something as simple as "According to" plus source.RC, chapter 8, lesson 3, page 340, heading Culture in CommunitiesCommunities throughout California are multicultural. They have different cultural holidays, celebrations, and traditions that represent different places and beliefs. These cultural celebrations are important because they reflect the values and traditions of a community, whether the people have always lived in California or have immigrated to the state.B, S, OFThe reviewer is of the impression that the text is very pro-multiculturalism. Students need to understand what multiculturalism is, taking into consideration all positive and negative aspects.Multiculturalism involves different cultures living side by side, with no one culture being more important than the other. Multiculturalism does not encourage assimilation into the dominant culture. This can lead to a lack of cohesion in a society.Many people think multiculturalism just means showing respect and tolerance to other cultures and faiths. If that were so, it should be unarguable. We should all support respect and tolerance. But that’s not what multiculturalism is at all. It holds that all minority values must have equal status to those of the majority. Any attempt to uphold majority values over minorities is a form of prejudice. That turns minorities into a cultural battering ram to destroy the very idea of being a majority culture at all. And so, since no culture can assert itself over any other, liberalism cannot assert itself as a dominant cultural force. Instead society must fragment into a kaleidoscope of equal — and opposing —values, and liberal values must give way to their opposite.” “Liberalism vs Islamism,” Melanie Phillips, June 2007. reviewer recommends that the first paragraph be removed.RC, chapter 8, lesson 4, page 347, Laws and Rulings - ProtectionsCalifornia Fair Employment and Housing Act 1992 Prevented discrimination based on sexual orientation in California.HT, OFFEHA prohibits employment discrimination based on race or color; religion; national origin or ancestry, physical disability; mental disability or medical condition; marital status; sex or sexual orientation; age, with respect to persons over the age of 40; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. , chapter 8, lesson 4, page 352, What Do You Think?Based on what you’ve read, how do rights and responsibilities help California thrive?BThe pages 350-353 have been on boycott and civil disobedience, not on how California can thrive.IJ, chapter 8, lesson 3, page 283, Primary Source: In Their Words … Adam Nagourney and Jennifer MedinOne lingering issue is voting rules. Although Santa Ana has an all-Latino City Council, there are no Latino Council members in neighboring Anaheim, even though the city is almost half Latino. Anaheim, like several other communities, elects its Council at large, rather than by district, which tends to put Latinos, who turn out smaller numbers than the general electorate, at a disadvantage.B, FEIn 2016, Anaheim held its first district-based election, electing four district Council Members (1, 3, 4, and 5); District 3 will serve a two year term and Districts 1, 4, and 5 serving a four year term. In 2018, voters residing in Districts 2, 3, and 6 will elect their Council Member; all Anaheim voters will have the opportunity to cast a vote for the Mayor.Council Member Jose F. Moreno - District 3., chapter 8, lesson 3, page 284, CollaborateBased on the text you read, work with your class to make inferences about the local government and Latino voters in Anaheim.B, FEPremise is incorrect: of Social Studies Skills and other important issuesAn evaluation of the teaching & learning devices and/or materials provided to the student.NumberQuestionsYesNo1Is the appropriate vocabulary relevant to the subject matter presented to students?For example, on comparative government are terms such as monarchy, oligarchy, democracy, socialism, fascism, and communism presented?The vocabulary words are filled with negativity, such as boycott, protest and discrimination.2Are the captions under pictures factual?Bias3Are the charts and graphs relevant to the topic being presented?Some are4Are the maps accurate and relevant to the topic?Not all5Are questions thought provoking? Is adequate accurate material provided so that the students can formulate appropriate answers?The questions are way above the abilities of a 9 or 10 year old. One example from Chapter 8, Inquiry Journal page 296: Talk about how well you think your government worked. Discuss the pros and cons of working in government based on your experience. 6Are primary and secondary sources presented for students to examine (for bias, propaganda, point of view, and frame of reference)?* I think the Literature and Primary Sources have a negative and bias slant. 7Does the text present a lesson on how to evaluate the validity of a source based on language, corroboration with other sources, and information about the author? *Not that I read, but I just read the second half of the text.8Does the textbook have a Glossary? Are key terms and personalities included and defined?xDefined so the student can see that immigrants are hard-working and good. 9Does the textbook have accurate timelines to help the student understand chronological historical developments?The timelines are accurate however the events chosen have a slant. The Civil War was left out in 1861.10Does the textbook have an Index which includes all of the key words, historical time periods and individuals? x11Does the textbook devote a similar number of pages to each of the world religions, philosophies, political and religious leaders?This is a California Social Studies book but it definitely does not give equal pages to more than one viewpoint or mendations:Concerns:The People You Should Know is made up of eclectic people. It was surprising that some of our most famous Californian were not included. There was room for Mary Tate, James Chaffey and Peter Hardeman Burnett but not for Ronald Reagan, governor of California and President of the United States, Earl Warren, Governor of California and Chief Justice of the United States and Sally Ride, a Californian, physicist and the 1st female astronaut in Space. This is just a few examples of the slant that this book has taken.The questions posed to the 4th graders in the Inquiry Journal are far too complex and the children do not have the knowledge to seriously answer them.The Essential Question Inquiry Projects for each chapter would be challenging for a 7th grader. This is an example from Chapter 6In this project, you’ll work with a team to prepare and produce a ten-minute news show about one of California’s struggles of the early 20th century. Model your news segment on a TV news show. Include fictional interviews with people who lived at the time. Present your news show as a play if recording is not possible.Here’s your project checklist:List important events, people, and ideas. Focus your research. Choose one important struggle to explore. Assign people different parts of the task, such as writing, directing, reporting, acting, designing graphics, and recording. Write scripts for reporters and interviews. Prepare visuals, such as photos and illustrations. Rehearse the performance before filming it or presenting it to the class. Perform the news segment for the class. Record the segment to present to parents or post to a class website.These are other ambiguous questions asked in the chapters: Who owns water? Whose responsibility is it to be sure communities have enough water to drink, clean, and grow crops?How did the population of California change after it became a state? What effect did this have on the people of California and the immigrants who came there to work?Discuss with a partner questions you have about the challenges Californians faced in the 20th century. Use your investigative skills to compare and contrast details about how World War II changed California’s economy, population, society, and environment. Use the diagram to organize information. Choose a major company that is based in California. Then create a newsletter for new employees of the company. Explain more about the company.Think about what you have learned about the many struggles the people of California have faced. Choose one of those struggles and create a work of art to communicate your thoughts and feelings about that struggle.Evaluations based on templateChoicesExplanationsYesNo1This text has minor changes that need to be made2This text has a moderate number of changes3This text has substantial changes that need to be made4This book is so flawed that it is not recommended for adoption.This book is filled with bias and slant. Diversity is the most important issue with the emphasis how poorly immigrants are treated. ................
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