Check Your Understanding: Suitability Excellence

Scenario 1

Is It Excellence?

In a mathematics lesson on perimeter, the materials ask the teachers to provide students with an American flag. Students are instructed to find the total perimeter of the red areas in centimeters.

No

Students use the flag to complete only a math task. There is no development of informed patriotism surrounding the flag’s historical and societal significance.

Scenario 2

Is It Excellence?

In an elementary student reader, students read about people in their community. The text illustrates how members of the community demonstrate citizenship and contribute to our state and nation.

Yes

For 2.1, “students may become thoughtful, informed citizens who have an appreciation for the fundamental democratic principles of our state and national heritage.”

Scenario 3

Is It Excellence?

The materials instruct teachers to collaborate with the social studies teachers to research and debate the pros and cons of American capitalism since 1900.

Yes

For 2.1.1(A), “materials do not contradict the constitutional purpose of public education of promoting a deep understanding of self-governance by advocating for opposing ideals through documents, political or economic theories, or key figures.”

Scenario 4

Is It Excellence?

The student instructions in a high school math program explain that students will engage in a culminating project where students will use available data and develop graphs that support the premise that the free enterprise system is the worst economic system in modern world history.

No

This would not be an example of evidence. This is an example of a suitability prohibition for 2.1

Subcategory 2.1.1

Subcategory 2.1

Scenario 1

Is It Excellence?

No

Scenario 2

Is It Excellence?

Yes

Scenario 3

Is It Excellence?

Yes

Scenario 4

Is It Excellence?

No