Perfect pairs.

• Author: Zack, Ian
• Position: Editorial

Dear Teachers,

Whether you teach social studies or English, you know how effective it can be to pair two or more texts that address the same topic or essential question. Teaching texts in tandem broadens students' understanding and lets them evaluate how different authors and genres provide different lenses for looking at similar material. Such pairings are even part of many academic standards.

For example, the Common Core standards call on students to "evaluate authors' differing points of view" (RH.9-10.6, RH.11-12.6) and "integrate information from diverse sources, both primary and secondary" (RH.9-10.9, RH.11-12.9).

Of course, it can be time-consuming to find texts that work well hand in hand. To help you meet that challenge, we work hard to bring you paired-text opportunities. In this issue, try these "perfect pairs":

* Start with our debate, "Is It Fair to Pay Teens Less Than Adults?" It offers two essays on the topic written from conflicting points of view.

* Are your students ready...