Walton AP Summer Institute
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition-Experienced
Akua Duku Anokye, Associate Professor
Arizona State University
(Schedule is subject to change)
Course Description:
At a time when English language and composition teachers are being confronted by mounting issues of high stakes testing, professional development, access and equity, and common core, it is essential to be clear about purpose, goals, and expectations. This course aims to engage experienced teachers in a dialogue about composition and rhetoric, effective strategies, and activities that will enhance their AP instruction, while keeping an eye on Common Core Standards and other principles impacting student acquisition of writing skills appropriate to a post-secondary writing experience in their high school environment. Teachers will carefully consider the content of their courses, and the roles of critical thinking, reading, writing, revision, reflection, and responding to student writing in an effort to facilitate student transition to successful academic college writing experiences. Most importantly, the course will give teachers an opportunity to enhance their students’ academic, social, civic and professional lives through rhetoric and composition. Teachers are requested to bring tried and true favorite assignments to share with colleagues.
Monday, June 22
Guiding Questions:
What composition theories and rhetorical principles inform the AP English Language and Composition course?
How do the Common Core Standards, APELC Goals, NCTE Framework, and Writing Program Administrators (WPA) Outcomes resonate?
What are the expectations of an effective APELC course?
What is compelling about new literacies and their impact on teaching composition?
How does an AP teacher foster creativity in the writing process?
Topics: Breaking the Ice
Composition theories and guiding principles
Common Core Standards, APELC Goals. WPA Outcomes, NCTE Frameworks,
APELC Course Description
Tuesday, June 23
Guiding Questions:
How can knowing what you want your students to achieve help you in designing your course?
What does an effective syllabus look like?
What is the place of grammar instruction?
Topic:The AP syllabus
Backward Design
Rethink and Revise
Using Grammar Rhetorically
Wednesday, June 24
Guiding Questions:
What are effective means to connect thinking, reading, analysis, argument and synthesis?
Topic: Critical Thinking, Reading and Writing
Close Reading, Rhetorical Analysis, and Multiple Choice
Analysis, Argument, Synthesis
Review and Practice with the 2014 Free Response Questions
Thursday, June 25
Guiding Questions:
What theories or concepts underlie current writing assessment practices?
What are we doing when we grade student writing?
Topic:Effective Writing Assignments
Responding to Writing
Visual Rhetoric
Sharing Perspectives
Present favorite assignments, revisions to your syllabus, and discuss on-going faculty development.
Wrap up and evaluation of workshop