Rationale

Teaching Approach: My philosophy is based on a thorough incorporation of common core

standards in a practical manner that promotes not only the academic success of students, but the
professional growth and prowess required by the real world. Students hone their academicargumentative-writing through the developmental production of editorials. Professional growth is
encouraged through aspects like time-management and cooperation.
Common Core Utilization:
I have structured this mini unit around two key language arts common core standards relevant to
argumentative writing while incorporating practical usage of argumentative writing skills and
teamwork:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1:
Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid
reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
This standard is incorporated through an argumentative approach utilized through a writing style
associated with editorials. An editorial presents an opinion on behalf of the establishment for
which someone is writing. The writer must support his claims objectively with logical reasoning
and sufficient, relevant evidence to influence the readers to adopt the same stance.
In the mini unit editorial/newspaper assignment, students must use this approach to present their
stance on school-related issues.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.1.D
Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and
conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.
The essence of objectivity is promoted through this unit consistently to instill a universal law of
objective writing: To be able to most effectively argue for our stance, we must be able to argue
against it. This equips writers with the ammunition necessary to combat opposing viewpoints.
Here are only a few of the academic and professional qualities that are encouraged and
sharpened in this unit and the ways they are utilized:

Objective Argument Construction: This skill is the premise of the unit. An

effective editorial utilizes a writers ability to present his opinion objectively to
influence readers. This skill is developed consistently throughout the unit through
informal discussion and writing practice.

Teamwork: Students are immediately encouraged to work together as they are

divided into groups to complete the newspaper project. Students learn to work
together through regular, dedicated classwork time that is allotted every day for
the development of a final product that ultimately incorporates the contribution of
every individual and the collective whole.
Time Management: One of the most important aspects of the unit is the effective
utilization of time. Students are immediately given a deadline to have their
product ready for submission. This encourages responsibility and efficiency as
well as professional growth. Time management is encouraged on a consistent
basis through a class schedule that involves dedicated time slots like: class
discussion, field-work, library time, and group work sessions.