1. Texas: Prelude to Civil War Teresa Goodin

2. The Annexation of Texas  Why did Americans immigrate to Texas in the mid 1800s?  Why did Texas declare its independence and fight for it during the War for Texan Independence?  How did the Alamo impact Texas, Mexico and the War for Texan Independence?

3. The Structured Academic Controversy (SAC)  What is it?  It’s like a debate, but you will have the chance to argue both sides of the annexation issue.  Who do I get to work with?  You will work in pairs to prepare your arguments.  What do we do?  Each pair will research both sides of annexation (pro-annexation of Texas and anti-annexation).  After both pairs have researched and presented for both sides (pro-annexation and anti-annexation), your group must come to a consensus or agreement.

4. SAC - Procedures  First Steps:  Receive your pair and group assignment from your teacher.  Record your original assigned position (pro-annexation or anti-annexation) on the first page of your SAC packet.  Review the How to Analyze a Primary Source handout for how to use the sources in the SAC packet.

5. SAC – Procedures  Research  Read the primary and secondary sources provided in your packet.  Take notes on student note handout #1 in your SAC packet.  Preparation  Share your notes and thoughts about the material with your partner. Plan your presentation. (Hint: focus on the three most important arguments for your position.)

6. SAC - Procedures  Debate #1  One side presents its position (three arguments) to the other side. The other side will listen carefully and take notes on student note handout #2. After the first side has presented, the listening pair should repeat the arguments and ask any necessary questions to make sure they understand the other side’s argument.  Repeat step #6 for the opposite side. The pair that listened first will now present to the other pair.

7. SAC – Second Argument  Switching groups  Now you will be researching and preparing the opposite argument. (If you were pro before, you will be arguing for con with your second group.)  You will still be working with your original partner. You will be presenting your argument to a different pair.

8. SAC - Procedures  Debate #2  Next you and your partner will be assigned to work with a different pair. You will also switch sides and begin researching for the other position. (For example, if you started as pro- annexation, you will now present the anti- annexation argument.) Take notes on student note handout #3. Work with your partner as you did in step #5.

9. SAC - Procedures  Debate #2 Continued  One side presents its position (three arguments) to the other side. The other side will listen carefully and take notes on student note handout #3. After the first side has presented, the listening pair should repeat the arguments and ask any necessary questions to make sure they understand the other side’s argument.  Continue asking questions and providing feedback until everyone is satisfied that their argument has been heard and understood, and that they understand the opposing argument.

10. SAC – Consensus Building  Now the four of you will come to a consensus or an agreement about annexation.  Should the US annex Texas? You may need to compromise.  Use your notes on handouts #1-4 and the background information in your packet.  Feel free to change your mind and come up with your own opinion of the issue.  Record your group’s consensus on student note handout #5.

11. SAC – Sharing consensuses  Choose a presenter for your group.  The presenter will share the groups’ consensus.  Highlight or mark your paper to help you find what you want to share.  Once your group has chosen a presenter and finished its consensus, you may work on your recommendation to President Tyler. (See handout – this is an individual assignment.)

12. SAC – Getting Started  How do I start?  Your teacher will assign you a partner and another pair.  Wait for your assignment and read the How to Analyze a Primary Source handout. This handout will help you learn from the sources in your packet.  Once you are in your group, review the procedure and get started on your first source.