The following curriculum materials are designed to be used with the Achievement Television program Advocacy and Citizenship. VHS tapes of the program can be ordered through the Gift Shop of the Academy of Achievement web site.
Program Overview
The second program module focuses on the role of honesty and values in advocacy.
Panelists describe specific examples when lying and cheating destroyed individuals
integrity and negatively affected those around them. Examples range from courtroom
experts with falsified resumes to students who cheat on tests. The discussion explores
how even for worthy causes, the end does not justify the means if it requires being
dishonest. It presents the important principle that while we will all make mistakes,
we must also have the moral strength to admit mistakes and change.
Viewing/Facilitation Strategies
Introduce the Pre-Viewing Activity to the entire class. After students complete
their sketch pad activity, allow time for them to share their ideas.
Review the profiles of the guest panelists and discuss each persons training
and achievements. Discuss terms.
View Module II and if time allows, immediately break into groups for the collaborative
career web activity.
During a following class period, have the telecast available for review. Ask
students to select a Curriculum Connections Activity to complete independently or
with a partner.
Assign the research project as a class requirement or as an optional independent
project.
Student Activities
Pre-Viewing Activity:
After a class discussion about what honesty is practiced in our culture, students
fill a Sketch Pad with words, images, and symbols that illustrate how issues of honesty
play a role in their lives.
Group Activity
Students work in small groups to create a Career Web that demonstrates how issues
of honesty and values play an important role in a career they value.
Curriculum Connections Activities
Social Studies/Geog: People and Places
History/Literature: Elie Wiesel Timeline
Persuasive Writing: On the Air ó A Radio Editorial on Honesty
Research Project
Students conduct research on 3-5 people who told the truth and did the right thing.
After the research phase, students select one of these heroes and creatively present
their lives to the class by writing a tribute, a newspaper interview, an obituary,
or an eyewitness account.
