Abstract
While working at Charter School X, an independent study school, I found that the majority of 11th grade U.S. History students read at a seventh and eighth grade level. Students had difficulty with comprehension, engagement, and retention of the textbook that was written at an 11th grade reading level and meant for a traditional high school classroom. Thus, I designed a month long unit on the American Industrial Revolution written between a seventh and eighth grade reading level and created lessons for independent study to increase interest, understanding, and retention. Sources of Data I used numerous sources to create the lessons, such as various U.S. History textbooks, primary sources, and the Library of Congress. Conclusions Reached The American Industrial Revolution unit helped 11th grade U.S. History students at a seventh and eighth grade reading level with comprehension, engagement, and retention. Since the assignments and resources were written at the students reading level and included activities designed for independent study, students were able to understand the academic material and had the motivation to deepen their learning. Students completed the four-week long independent study unit and gained a greater understanding of the material.