Mrs. Moore's Argumentative Writing Webquest

Introduction

One of the most controversial issues impacting education in America is whether students who haven't passed their classes or standardized tests should be passed on (social promotion) or forced to repeat a grade (retention).  Many people believe that a student who does not meet the required grade-level standards should be required to repeat that grade (retained). However, people who believe that retention is detrimental to students in the long-term often argue that holding a student back only increases the chances that he/she will later drop out of high school.  They believe that students should be socially promoted to stay with their same-age peers even though they haven't truly met the criteria to go on to the next grade.

Process

Where do you stand?  Write an essay stating your position.  Should students be retained if they fail to meet the required standards, or should they be allowed to remain with their peers through social promotion?

Remember, a strong and effective piece of argument writing:

  • Takes the audience into account
  • Has a clear introduction
  • States a focus/position statement clearly, precisely, and thoughtfully (thesis statement)
  • Uses specific evidence from the texts to support and develop the position and explains that evidence logically.
  • Takes into account what people who disagree with you might think and tries to respond to that (counter argument)
  • Concludes effectively
  • Uses precise language
  • Shows control over conventions

Resources :

http://saranac-teachers.org/should-struggling-students-repeat-a-grade/&…;

http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/repeating-a-grade/

https://prezi.com/btibaul-lldb/social-promotion-retention-and-alternati…

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/franchesca-warren/social-promotion-is-not…

http://www.slideshare.net/jdsmithii/argumentative-essay-ppt-42497160

http://empoweringwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Argument-Guide-…

Evaluation

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY RUBRIC

Student's Name_____________________

Essay Topic_________________________

 

STRONG

18 pts.

ADEQUATE

15 pts

WEAK

12 pts

INTRODUCTION
REASON 1
REASON 2
COUNTER ARGUMENT
CONCLUSION

Conclusion

Now you know a small amount about social retention/promotion. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of  how these two things can impact a classroom and a school.