Prompt 11
Writing Background
Much has been said in the media recently about the need for changes to improve the quality of education in public schools. At least some of that attention has been focused on such things as extending the school day, reducing the emphasis on athletics and extracurricular activities, increasing the amount of time devoted to basic skills, adding credits in English, math, and science, and going to year-round schooling. These changes will have direct impact on students as well as teachers.
Writing Situation
The school system where you attended elementary school and/or high school is faced with evaluating these recommended changes and deciding which, if any, will be appropriate for strengthening the educational program. As part of an effort to accumulate as much information as possible before making a decision, the school board has contacted recent graduates of the school system, like yourself, and requested their recommendations.
As a former student familiar with the school system or as a prospective teacher who might return to that district to teach, write an essay in which you offer your recommendations for improving the educational program. Address at least two of the items mentioned above or develop two of your own. Keep in mind the school board's need for concrete suggestions and examples that will help them make an informed decision for the best interests of future graduates.
Prompt 12
Writing Background
Utah is reported to have the largest average class size in the nation. Teachers believe that such large classes affect the ways they can teach and the ways that students learn. The state teachers organization has come out in favor of reduced class size, claiming that both teaching and learning are being adversely affected by such large classes.
Writing Situation
The State School Board Association is attempting to collect information from a variety of sources in order to make a decision of whether or not to support smaller class size. As part of the SSBA's effort, it is requesting testimony from students and teachers concerning their experiences with how class size affects learning. Write a letter to the SSBA giving testimony on how overcrowded classes affect students' education. Use concrete examples from your own experience and classroom observations.
Prompt 13
Writing Background
Much has been said about schools as a place for learning. However, not all students learn equally well in traditional school settings. In fact, some students learn more quickly and retain their learning longer if it occurs outside that place called school. Some students have benefited from internships, career-ladder opportunities, home schooling, or office assistantships.
Writing Situation
Assume that you are such a student and that you would like to convince school authorities that learning experiences outside the regular classroom should be encouraged and should be counted toward graduation requirements. Review your own learning experiences or those of others outside the classroom. Identify at least one particular instance where you believe such learning was especially "educational" and possibly as valuable as some in-class learning. Use this experience as the major part of your argument addressed to the local school board in which you make a persuasive presentation for why credit should be given for "real life learning."
Remember that your audience is likely to be skeptical and will need concrete evidence about what learning took place and how that learning complemented or took the place of core curriculum values.
Prompt 14
Writing Background
Many parents believe that they should support the educational progression of their children as much as possible. But many parents are overwhelmed at the complexity of some homework assignments. These parents are concerned about the time that it takes their children to complete homework assignments, and their inability to help with these complicated assignments. They feel that school work should be done at school where the teacher can give the most effective help. Many times homework becomes a source of conflict between family time and school time. Teachers are concerned with the lack of time in the day to cover the core curriculum, and the need for parent involvement in learning.
Writing Situation
In a clear and well-organized essay explain what your position is on the issue of homework. Should schoolwork be assigned and then completed in school or should it be done outside of school time? Use concrete examples from your own experience and new teaching philosophy. What is the role of the parent in assisting students with homework?
Prompt 15
Writing Background
By the time the average person in North America graduates from high school, she or he will have seen 18,000 hours of television. The effect such viewing has on students receives mixed reviews from critics. According to one school of thought, the present generation will have received extraordinary exposure to standard adult English and opportunities to see many cultures and experiences that they can relate to their own lives. The other school of thought believes that active involvement in life is the primary source of learning and that students have become addicted to television and therefore are passive learners and know little about how to use real experience as a basis for learning.
Writing Situation
As a potential educator write a well-organized essay addressed to parents, advising them on what you believe to be a sensible policy about television viewing for young people. Draw upon your teaching and student experiences as a basis for your advice as well as your understanding of how children learn. Assume that your audience has not given this issue a great deal of thought so provide them with practical suggestions as well as a rationale for your position.
Prompts 1-5 Prompts 6-10 Prompts 11-15
Prompts 16-19 Abstracts and Proposals