November 29, 2016

THE BASICSTopic: Gwen Ifill

“We have a dedicated, committed audience who want to know more, who want us to dig a little deeper on their behalf,” “I think it’s kind of vital to democracy that we do exist.” Gwen Ifill

Articles “Kermit and Walter and Gwen” (11/20) (The Day) “Thousands of Mourners Celebrate Gwen Ifill’s Tenacity and Grace” (11/19) (The NY Times) “What Gwen Ifill Knew About Race in America” (11/18) (The Atlantic) “In appreciation: Gwen Ifill, 1955-2016” (11/18) (The Undefeated)

Questions to Consider

Who was Gwen Ifill? Why is Gwen Ifill’s legacy an important part of our democracy? How will Gwen Ifill’s legacy in the field of journalism be remembered?

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/daily_videos/pbs-journalist-gwen-ifill-remembered-for-history-making-career/

Who are people you look up to in your life? Are there any journalists you admire? If so, who and why? What is the job of a news anchor? Critical thinking questions (after watching the video) Why was Gwen Ifill respected by so many of her viewers and colleagues? What are some aspects of Ifill’s life that may strike you as unique or interesting? How did being a

black woman create challenges for her in the news industry? What qualities allowed Gwen Ifill to be a role model for others, especially African Americans and

women? What challenges do you think Ifill faced in her many years as a journalist? Why is diversity important to news coverage?

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/daily_videos/pbs-journalist-gwen-ifill-remembered-for-history-making-career/

o Essential question How will Gwen Ifill’s legacy in the field of journalism be remembered?o Warm up questions (before watching the video)

What challenges do you think Ifill faced in her many years as a journalist? Why is excellent journalism more important than ever today?

THE EXTRAPre-teaching, Extensions & Further Reading

“Gwen Ifill, who overcame barriers as a black female journalist dies at 61” (11/14) (The Washington Post)

“Gwen Ifill Biography” (Biography)

Lesson Plans “PBS journalist Gwen Ifill remembered for history-making career” (11/15) (PBS Newshour Extra)

What’s the Connection? Constitutional

“Journalist Gwen Ifill: In Her Own Words” (11/14) (BBC World Service) “Gwen Ifill Accepts First Amendment Award” (6/15/10) (TVNewser)

Oregon “Electronic Town Hall in Ohio and Oregon” (4/20/12) (PBS)

Students “NewsHour anchor Gwen Ifill leaves behind journalism legacy for students” (11/14) (PBS NewsHour

Extra)

Oregon State Social Science Standards8.20. Analyze the changing definition of citizenship and the expansion of rights. 8.21. Analyze important political and ethical values such as freedom, democracy, equality and justice embodied in documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.HS.33. Explain the role of government in various current events.HS.35. Examine the pluralistic realities of society (e.g., race, poverty, gender, and age), recognizing issues of equity, and evaluating need for change. HS.59. Demonstrate the skills and dispositions needed to be a critical consumer of information.HS.60. Analyze an event, issue, problem, or phenomenon from varied or opposing perspectives or points of view.

CCSS Anchor Standards2. Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.4. Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.6. Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.7. Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words. 8. Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, including the validity of the reasoning as well as the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.

We the People Lesson ConnectionsMiddle School, Level 2

Unit 5, Lesson 23: How does the Constitution protect freedom of expression? Unit 6, Lesson 29: What are the rights and responsibilities of citizenship?

High School, Level 3 Unit 5, Lesson 29: How does the First Amendment protect free expression?

Unit 6, Lesson 35: How have civil rights movements resulted in fundamental political and social change in the United States?

Unit 6, Lesson 37: What key challenges does the United States face in the future?