Change forces one to make judgments with incomplete information, because it is difficult to predict all the possible consequences that could result from a decision. Decision making about change requires the ability to evaluate critically and creatively and to consider the moral and ethical consequences of the choices being made. Learning to make wise judgments about a course of action is the core of effective evaluation. Change means making choices and that means evaluating the alternatives available to come to a considered judgment about the best choice. Students will be given opportunities in their analysis of change to apply dialectical thinking as a way of evaluating the issues in this unit.
Core material appears in bold type on the pages that follow.
The optional material should be seen as an opportunity to individualize instruction for students with different levels of intellectual ability and motivation. Teachers may also choose to substitute locally-developed material in optional areas where it is appropriate. Such material should reflect community interests and must also meet the skills, values, and concept objectives of the course. Know that in all decision making there is a measure of uncertainty about the possible consequences and costs associated with the decision. Know that burden of proof is the assumption made about who should be required to prove that a position is correct and who should be given the benefit of the doubt.