Enrolling Now for 2026-27 School Year.
Enrolling Now for 2026-27 School Year.
American Government Learning Coach Guide Contents Part A Welcome to American Government Part A: Welcome to American Government Welcome Letter Dear Learning Coach, Thank you for partnering with CCA and investing in your learner’s education. This Learning Coach Guide is intended to help you support your learner in their American Government course. Within this guide, you will find the goals, components, and features of the online course. Please take time to read and review this information so you understand how to help your learner interact with all the course’s elements. The Learning Coach Guide also includes information about each of the units in this course. On each page of unit information, you will discover the following. The Unit Overview will tell you what the focus, content, and skills of the unit will be. The Unit Assessment section is a place for you and your learner to preview the graded work in the course. At the start of each unit, work with your learner to look at the unit in edio and find out which types of graded work are in this unit. Write them in the box and use it as a checklist. You can check off each one as your learner completes it. The Unit Materials section tells you the materials your learner will need to complete the activities in this unit. You will also find the materials list repeated within each lesson so that your learner has exactly what they need at the right time. The Unit Discussion Questions are optional questions that you may want to ask your learner during the unit to increase home and school connections about what your learner is studying. In the Unit Extras section, you may find optional activities, literature connections, career connections, technology tips, ideas to help your learner if they get stuck, or safety tips. CCA wishes you and your learner a terrific school year! Supporting Your Learner Your role as a Learning Coach is very important. Here are a few ways you can help your learner do their very best in the course. Help your learner know what time guided or live class instruction is scheduled for, and prompt them to attend sessions or watch recordings. Remember, it is okay for your learner to get stuck. Learning new material takes time. Encourage them to take breaks, keep trying, and even ask the teacher for help. Help your learner navigate technology. That may mean helping them type information or upload work into edio. Always encourage your learner to do their very best. Review the course syllabus for your learner’s course. Maintain communication with your learner’s teacher. Part B Course Information Part B: Course Information Course Goals In American Government, your learner will explore and analyze the ideals of civic rights and responsibilities as set forth in the United States Constitution in regard to local, state, national, and international affairs to help learners become more informed, active citizens who can take part in the civic life of the United States. Learners will study the past struggles of balancing liberty and freedom to influence learners’ future decisions that will impact their and the nation’s future. Course Format Lesson Components: Each day, your learner will spend 30–60 minutes completing a lesson in American Government. Some days may take less time, while other days may take a little more time. The lesson does not need to be completed in one sitting. Encourage your learner to take short breaks as they need. This section will help you to understand how your learner’s course is structured in edio. Lesson Bundling: Within the lesson bundles, there are different components your learner will interact with. These components will not be used every day. 1. Getting Started Lesson: There is one Getting Started lesson in this course. It can be found on Day 1 of Unit 1. This lesson includes important information about the course and contact information for your teacher. 2. Unit Overview: Each unit will include a unit overview. This describes what your learner will learn in the unit and how many assessments the unit will have. 3. Prep for Success: At the beginning of each unit, your learner will find a Prep for Success. This component offers learners tips to be successful in the course, such as study tips, important software information, safety reminders, and more. 4. Knowledge Check: There will be one Knowledge Check in each unit. The Knowledge Check is designed to check prior learning and understanding about key skills and concepts that will be taught in the unit. The Knowledge Check is not a graded assessment. Each lesson has its own components to help guide your learner through the lesson. 1. Lesson Overview: At the beginning of every lesson, your learner will see the lesson overview. This section contains lesson objectives, lesson vocabulary, materials your learner will need for the lesson, and the suggested lesson length. 2. Engage: The first section of the lesson is Engage. In this section, learners will be introduced to the lesson by making a connection to past and present knowledge and will get ready for the lesson’s instruction. 3. Discover: New content and instruction is presented in the Discover section. Your learner will interact with the lesson content through defined vocabulary terms, videos, audio, and Pause and Think activities. Your learner will be able to practice and answer questions as they work through the lesson. 4. Show: Learners will demonstrate what they have learned in the lesson through a series of practice questions. 5. Summary (9–12): This section recaps the day’s objectives and prepares learners for a future lesson or assessment. The course includes assignments and projects. These graded assignments allow your learner to show what they have learned and apply their new skills. All CCA assignments and projects include these components. 1. Assessment Overview: At the beginning of each assessment, your learner will see the assessment overview. This section contains the goals of the assessment, materials your learner will need, length of the assessment, and directions for completion. 2. Plan: In the Plan section, learners will be introduced to the assignment or project. Learners may be provided with a review of content from the previous lessons, strategies for completing the activity, graphic organizers, and grading rubrics. 3. Do: Learners put their plan into action and work to complete the assignment or project successfully. This section also provides the grading expectations and/or rubric the teacher will use to grade the work. 4. Reflect: In Reflect, learners will think back to the work they completed. They will reflect upon the experience and analyze how well they completed the task. These moments of reflection are important and allow learners to think about their learning and their work habits. In addition to assignments and projects, this course also includes quizzes and tests. Quiz Review: On the day before a quiz, learners will have the opportunity to review the content they will be assessed on in a quiz. Quiz: A quiz may be given at the end of a topic or the end of a unit. A quiz will usually be worth 10–15 points. Test Review: On the day before a test, learners will have the opportunity to review the content they will be assessed on in the test. Test: A test will assess learning across topics or at the end of a unit. A test is usually worth 25–50 points. Course Features This course includes and uses unique features such as: Discussion-Based Question (DBQ): DBQs are open-ended questions designed to be thought-provoking, encourage multiple viewpoints, and encourage learners to practice their thinking and expressive skills at a deeper level of thought. Learners should consider their answer to a question and respond using complete sentences, making connections among the concepts in the question. Document-Based Question (DBQ): A DBQ is a document-based question: an open-ended style AP question in which learners analyze historical documents to develop an argument. Part C: Unit Information Digital Citizenship Unit Overview Digital media and technology are evolving at a rapid pace. This unit introduces skills to help learners use technology to improve online communication, as well as to be able to understand the differences in types of digital media. It includes lessons that discuss different types of information learners may find online, both for this class and as a digital media consumer. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How does the type of story you are reading help you determine the accuracy of the information? How can digital citizens analyze online information for bias and check its accuracy? Unit Notables Learners will identify ways to engage in active listening in both online and face-to-face communication. Learners will differentiate between fact and opinion and learn to evaluate a news story for bias as well as misinformation but applying critical-thinking skills analysis. Kit Materials None Household Materials Ideas About Government Unit Overview Ideas about the nature and purpose of government shaped the ideas of colonial leaders. The writing of the Declaration of Independence set the colonies on a path to becoming a new nation with a new government. In this unit, learners will learn key concepts about governments and the ideas that influence the United States government. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions What Enlightenment theories influenced the movement towards independence and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence? How has your understanding of the Declaration of Independence changed after applying analysis skills to the original text? Unit Notables Learners will investigate what makes a government democratic as well as differences between types of government. Learners will analyze the influences and events that led to the independence movement, a break with Britain, and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. Kit Materials None Household Materials Forming a Constitution Unit Overview Learners will explore how the independent states formulated their first national government under the Articles of Confederation, examining how the need for a new national government led to debate and compromise and the eventual ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How did compromise between different groups shape the Constitution? What are checks and balances and how do they work to prevent power from concentrating into the hands of a few people? What were the purposes of the Bill of Rights? Unit Notables Learners will analyze the flaws in the Articles of Confederation and how those flaws were addressed in the drafting of the Constitution. Factions, dissent, and mistrust characterized the Constitutional Convention, and learners will examine how these issues were overcome and how those decisions shape America today. Kit Materials None Household Materials Legislative Branch Unit Overview The Founders created the legislative branch to reflect the will of the people and to create laws for the United States. Learners will study the differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate. They will also learn about the responsibilities, functions, and powers of Congress and how laws are created. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How does gerrymandering affect election results, and why do political parties engage in the practice? What is dual federalism, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of the federal and state governments sharing power? Why does the Constitution give specific certain powers to Congress? Unit Notables Learners will examine the process of a bill becoming a law and identify obstacles to passing legislation. Learners will also explore the principle and federalism and learn about the structure of Pennsylvania’s state government. Kit Materials None Household Materials Executive Branch Unit Overview Learners will examine the Constitutional role of the executive branch, how the president fulfils the task of executing laws and enacting policies, and how the president manages the vast bureaucracy and agencies of the federal government. They will also examine the powers of the executive at state and local levels. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions What are the differences between presidential and parliamentary systems of government? What different roles does the president play in government, and what are their formal and informal powers? Unit Notables This unit will include a three-day project in which your learner analyzes what the daily routine for the president looks like and how the president is able to fulfill several different roles and responsibilities in a single day. You can support your learner by discussing and exploring what the president’s daily schedule typically includes. Kit Materials None Household Materials Judicial Branch Unit Overview The judicial branch serves as a referee, settling Constitutional disputes. In this unit, learners will explore the roles, critical terminology, and processes of criminal, civil, and appellate courts. Learners will also examine landmark Supreme Court cases that form the foundations of American civil liberties. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions What are the differences between the strict and loose constructionist approaches to analyzing the Constitution? What are some key differences between civil and criminal law? Unit Notables Learners will have the chance to analyze and interpret the rulings of several landmark Supreme Court cases in this unit. This assignment will provide them with the opportunity to work with primary source documents and the original rulings of several famous Supreme Court cases. Encourage students to research more information regarding a Supreme Court case that they find interesting. Kit Materials None Household Materials The Constitution in Action Unit Overview The Constitution is the framework of the American government and the “supreme law of the land.” Learners will examine the seven Articles of the Constitution and how their meanings have evolved over time in order to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of how the Constitution is applied to protect the rights of people today. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How does the Supremacy Clause settle disputes between the federal government and individual states? By what means can the Constitution be amended and how common is it for amendments to be ratified? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will complete a project regarding the Constitution in Action and apply their understanding of civil rights protections and interpretations of the Supreme Court to analyze a fictional scenario. You can support your learner by reminding them of basic civil rights and liberties such as the freedoms of speech, press, and religion, as well as protections against discrimination in the workplace. Kit Materials None Household Materials The Bill of Rights Unit Overview Many of the constitutional rights people in the United States enjoy come from the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution. These include freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, the right to due process of law, and other protections. In this unit, you will go through the Bill of Rights amendments, learn about the protectionsthey offer, and examine the debates they spark. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions Which of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution did you find the most interesting? Why? How has the Supreme Court interpreted 2nd Amendment rights in the 21st Century? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will also explore how different media sources report in articles on the same bill of rights topic. Encourage your learner to take time to review what is meant by the terms; “left”, “center”, and “right” when referencing media bias in the articles they select. Kit Materials None Household Materials Elections Unit Overview In this unit, learners will better grasp the evolution of the vote over time. Learners will examine different types of elections as well as the major Constitutional and case law rulings that undergird the right to vote. Polling, money, and demographic shifts that affect modern politics are examined, as is the Electoral College. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions Why is U.S. politics dominated by a two-party system? Do you believe that the Electoral College should be replaced with a different method for electing the president? Unit Notables In this unit leaners will have the opportunity to learn about the different methods of voting used by states throughout the country. Encourage your learner to explore what methods are used in the state of Pennsylvania. It would also be appropriate to share information about your personal experiences as a voter. Kit Materials None Household Materials Unit Overview Voters have an essential role in a democratic society. Their decisions about whom to elect shape the direction of their local, state, and national governments. In this unit, learners will explore the factors that influence whom people vote for, including their political views and a variety of other factors. Learners will also learn how candidates use election campaigns to try to win people’s votes. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How do ideologies differ across the political spectrum?What methods are used by candidates for political office to persuade voters to support them? Unit Notables In this unit your learner will complete a political ideology assignment to see where their views fit within the American political landscape. You can support your learner by encouraging open, respectful conversation about the results and what may have surprised them. This is a great opportunity to model civil discourse and critical thinking—skills that are essential for engaged citizenship. Kit Materials None Household Materials Public Policy Unit Overview In this unit learners will explore how public policy is determined and the way people, groups, and institutions influence public policy. Learners will examine how public policy, from road maintenance to national defense, results in the government services that meet the demands of government and needs of the people. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How can federal grants impact public policies? Do you think that interest groups wield too much influence over public policy? Why or why not? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will explore ways in which interest groups , the media, and political parties attempt to influence public opinion about different policies. Your learner will complete an advertisement for an interest group supporting an issue of their own choice. You can support them by pointing out examples of these ads on television, the radio, or online. Kit Materials None Household Materials Taxes, Spending, and Budgets Unit Overview Federal, state, and local governments need to pay for the materials, cost of labor, and other expenses necessary to carry out their responsibilities and provide services. Most of this money comes from taxes that people throughout the country pay. The government must make choices about how to spend taxpayer money. In this unit, learners will learn about taxes and how the government uses them. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How do various social welfare programs benefit the American people? How is the federal budget determined? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will be diving deeper into the nation’s economic policies. This is a great time to talk about how budgeting works in the real world. You might discuss how your local community uses tax dollars or explore how the federal government decides what to fund. These conversations will help your learner to see the connections in their daily lives. Kit Materials None Household Materials American Government Wrap-Up Unit Overview In this unit, learners examine the demographic trends in the United States and the process that new citizens undertake when they become naturalized citizens. Also, they will learn about how people can be involved in the civic life of their communities. They will review the key concepts they learned in this course and reflect on their experience learning about the American system of government. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions What are some of the duties and responsibilities of U.S. citizens? What unit of the course did you find most interesting to learn about? Unit Notables This unit will feature a two-part year-in-review lesson that will allow your learner to review the various government and political concepts they studied throughout the course. Encourage your learner to consider and explorer careers that involve American government and politics that may be of interest to them. Kit Materials None Household Materials
Enrolling Now for 2026-27 School Year.
