Task Overview

Recent news has given much coverage to the growing prison population in the United States. How fast is it growing? The states need to be able to predict the number of people who will be under correctional supervision in the future. What impact will these numbers have on budgets, the general population, and other social services?

Final Product: Students write a report that clearly describes their suggested solution and supports their conclusions with mathematical justifications.

Key Cognitive Strategies

Students use the following Key Cognitive Strategies as they work. Each Key Cognitive Strategy includes three aspects, described here.

Problem Solving

1. Understanding the problem
2. Hypothesizing about potential outcomes
3. Strategizing about how to approach the problem

Research

1. Identifying the necessary data and information
2. Collecting data and information
3. Evaluating the quality of data and information

Interpretation

1. Integrating data and information to prepare for analysis
2. Analyzing data and information for characteristics and patterns
3. Synthesizing by making connections and drawing conclusions

Reasoning

1. Constructing an argument and supporting it with evidence
2. Organizing the argument
3. Critiquing the work to improve it

Precision/Accuracy

1. Checking the work for errors
2. Completing all assigned elements of the task
3. Presenting the final draft appropriately