Call to Order  What type of policy problem is it?  What policy would you propose to fix it? What is a problem that you think exists in Baltimore?

Today’s Objective Students will be able to evaluate the extent to which public policies have benefitted certain groups in Baltimore by: reading articles creating a graphic organizer writing an article for the Baltimore Sun

Identify a public problem. If enough people are concerned, they take action. Public problems often have more than one solution Each solution has advantages and disadvantages The gov’t, community, and individuals have to work together What is Public Policy? Programs developed by the government in order to improve the lives of people in the United States. A Quick Review from Yesterday…

Urban Renewal Policy The gov’t encourages people to buy rundown housing and rebuild in order to improve an area.  Bring population back to the city  Increases taxes gained from properties (so the city can provide more services!)  Establish affordable public housing.

Environmental Policy Individuals and businesses have to follow laws that the government passes to protect the environment.  Regulating pollution from cars  Protecting natural land  Looks for alternative energy sources

Education Policy The government funds schools and monitors how they perform. Tests / required courses are used to gauge student achievement.  State Curriculum determines what is taught  MSA/HSA Exams  School performance is tracked I’ve got a big fat check for the states with the best scores!

Transportation Policy Focuses on the cleanest, safest, and fastest ways for people to travel within the U.S.  Interstate Highway System  Carpool lanes  High Speed Railways  Subways  Buses

Health & Welfare Policy The gov’t tries to protect the health and welfare of its citizens  Medicaid helps covered medical expenses for people with low incomes  Food Stamps help people with low-incomes buy food  Social Security provides financial assistance to retired persons

How to complete the activity:  Read the article given to you  Name and describe the policy  Describe the problem the policy attempts to solve  What impact will the policy have on Maryland residents?  (Who does it help? Who does it hurt?)  Is / will this policy be effective ?

Reading on the Red Line Follow along as I read, please!

Fill in the graphic organizer: Name and Description What problem does it solve? How will it impact Maryland Residents? Is this an effective means of solving the problem? Name: Description: Baltimore Red Line Project A light rail and subway that will connect the east and west sides of Baltimore. This project will connect people on the west side with jobs downtown. It will also connect the community with resources like social services and health clinics. This project tries to solve problems of unemployment, lack of resources, lack of transportation, and congested roads where there is lots of traffic. I think this will be effective because people on the west side are excluded from participating in the Baltimore economy without good transportation. Your task: Fill in the graphic organizer using the readings that I give you, with your group. When you have finished with your reading, send one AMBASSADOR to me with the graphic organizer filled out. If I approve it, you may continue with the next reading.

Station 2:

Station 4: