Did the Progressive Era Achieve Progress for Women?

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This inquiry explores some of the dynamic changes occurring in the social reform efforts in North Dakota through the investigation of the compelling question “did the Progressive Era achieve progress for women?” The importance of understanding social reform efforts in this inquiry is twofold: (1) students should be able to understand some of the changes that influenced the state’s early politics and societal norms and (2) students will benefit from understanding how these reform efforts influenced and developed into North Dakota’s modern society. While progressing through the inquiry, students should analyze the changes occurring in the culture and speculate future scenarios for the state. In doing so, students can better understand the impact of societal norms on their own lives.

This inquiry is expected to take two class periods; however, teachers are encouraged to adapt the inquiry to meet the needs and interests of their students and the amount of time they have available.

Inquiry Design Model (IDM) Blueprint™
Compelling Question
Did the Progressive Era achieve progress for women?
Standards and Practices
ND.6_12.2.3 Explain the impact of political systems and institutions of North Dakota.
Staging the Question
Invite a woman politician to talk to the class about their experiences in running for office and as a woman in a leadership capacity.
Supporting Question 1
Supporting Question 2
Supporting Question 3
What was the progressive movement?
What was the Nonpartisan League (NPL)?
Were the efforts of the progressive movement and the NPL successful in changing the status of women in North Dakota? Why or why not?
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Write a summary of what the Progressive Movement was.
Write a summary of what the Nonpartisan League (NPL) was.
Analyze the featured sources and create a graphic organizer that supports or refutes your claim with evidence.
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
  • Using the internet and library resources, students will conduct research to write a summary of what the progressive movement was.
  • Summary of the Nonpartisan League (NPL)
  • The Five League "Planks" by John M. Baer
  • Commission on the Status of Women, 1964 Document Set
Summative Performance Task
Argument
How did early social reform movements influence societal norms in North Dakota? Did the Progressive Era achieve progress for women as it set out to do? Construct an argument that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views. Write a persuasive argument to defend your answer to the compelling question.  
Extension
Develop an annotated timeline of women’s rights in the United States. Use information specific to North Dakota when it is available.
Taking Informed Action

Understand: Consider gender equality today. Are there still differences in the status between genders today? Identify a specific example or case study in your community or state.

Assess: Examine the extent to which the status between genders is different. Determine how you might express your position on this issue to others in your community.

Act: Draft a policy paper or brief describing what the problem is and provide suggestions for how it may be resolved. A policy paper or brief should include some background information, analysis of the problem, options, recommendations, and a conclusion that summarizes the analysis and recommendation.