- Focus on the big ideas with content built around Essential Questions- Aligns with the Center for Civic Education's National Standards for Civics and Government and the Council of Economics Education's National Standards- Make relevant connections with The Story Matters chapter openers, Real Life Civics, Teen Citizens in Action, Landmark Supreme Court Cases and service learning activities.- Maximize comprehension with the Reading Help Desk in each lesson to assist students with reading strategies, note-taking activities, graphic organizers, and vocabulary support. - Build critical thinking skills with You Decide, Being an Active Citizen, Why It Matters, and 21st Century Skills activities.