Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs ushered in an unprecedented amount of Federal intervention in the economy, from tightening regulations on banking and investments to creating taxpayer-funded jobs across industries. However, the benefits experienced by many working families were not shared by all Americans, and many were short-lived. This inquiry requires students to weigh the complexities inherent when two things are true and practice developing nuanced claims.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
Was the New Deal a good deal for working families?
Standards
D4.1.9-12. Construct arguments using precise and knowledgeable claims, with evidence from multiple sources, while acknowledging counterclaims and evidentiary weaknesses.
Instructional Snapshot
Class begins with the students assigned to one of four “expert” groups around the New Deal: Economic Reforms, Public Works Programs, Timeline, and Commentary. Students in each group analyze a different set of sources to identify the challenges and benefits resulting from New Deal programs on a graphic organizer.
Students then move into “study” groups comprised of representatives from each source set to create a comprehensive T-Chart that identifies the challenges and benefits of New Deal programs. Next, groups discuss the significance of the various benefits and challenges and determine which would have had the greatest impact on working families from various backgrounds.
Students finish by developing a nuanced claim in response to the compelling question, discussing why a simple “yes” or “no” would not provide an accurate picture of the New Deal.
Formative Tasks
COLLABORATE
Create a T-Chart to document New Deal benefits and challenges for working families.
DELIBERATE
Select the top 3 most significant considerations for each side.
PRODUCE
Write a nuanced claim in response to the compelling question.
Sources
Source Set A: New Deal Economic Reforms, Library of Congress
Source Set B: New Deal Public Works Programs, Library of Congress
Source Set C: New Deal Timeline, Library of Congress
Source Set D: New Deal Commentary, Library of Congress
Summative Performance Task
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Taking Informed Action
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