English Lesson Plan

Overview: Sandy Springs, Georgia, and a few other cities in the U.S. are hiring private companies to run them. Some say it’s an economical, flexible way to get better services. Others are concerned because private companies are required to have the same open records the government has.

Suggested time allotment: Approx. a half hour

Objectives
Students will:
1. Read or view the video/podcast about Sandy Springs and the other cities.
2. Write an in-class reaction paper to some aspect of this. Is flexibility and economy better? But what about accountability? What does it take to have a GOOD city government? What about electing officials with whom you agree?

Standards: National Council of Teachers of English/International Reading Association Standards:
1. Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts: to build an understanding of texts, of themselves and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
8. Students use a variety of technological and informational resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
12. Students use spoken, written and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion and the exchange of information).

Resources and materials: Websites with information
• Read the USA Today article from Sept. 14, 2006, “Some new cities outsource city hall,” by Oren Dorell.
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