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Beyond formulas: Embracing complexity in writing instruction

eSchool News

Standardization may improve test scores in certain situations, but does not necessarily improve learning. The five-paragraph essay, specifically, is a structure that hinders authentic composing because it doesn’t allow for the “associative leaps” between ideas that come about in less constrained writing. Lannin, A.

Writing 250
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California colleges spend millions to catch plagiarism and AI. Is the faulty tech worth it?

Cal Matters

Indeed, many students have taken the bait, if not to write entire essays, then certainly to draft an outline, refine their ideas or clean up their writing before submitting it. She became one of the first Turnitin users at the large community college north of Los Angeles, testing out the software before campuswide adoption.

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8th Grade ELA Teacher Essentials: 11 Top Teaching Tools

Teachers Pay Teachers

For students who are testing below grade level, incorporate the CCSS for language arts that are closer to their actual abilities. Once they’re used to writing a paragraph or two every day, writing five paragraphs for a standard essay won’t seem so daunting! Bring your dream to life — yes, even the essay one! —

Grades 52
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Essential Themes in Literature for Student Understanding

Teach Hub

Why It All Matters Understanding literary themes isn’t just about acing a test or writing an essay. These stories highlight the power of speaking out, pushing back, and choosing what’s right, even when it’s not easy. They help students see that challenging the status quo isn’t just brave—it’s necessary.

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How to Make Online Learning More Engaging and Effective for Students

k12

Creative Expression of Learning: Not every child shines through essays or multiple-choice tests—and that’s okay. Learning to advocate for themselves and ask questions is a valuable skill that will serve them well throughout their education and beyond.

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Students at U.S. Government Schools Fight Book Bans

Edsurge

But we argue, in a situation like this, the government fails even that deferential test because the removals that are happening are not for any legitimate pedagogical concern. Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves, a book of essays from Black women about how literature has affected their lives, by Glory Edim.

Schools 121
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94 Intriguing Writing Prompts for High School

Teachers Pay Teachers

Students can keep a long-term journal to respond all year long, or they can use journal prompts as a springboard into a class essay or assignment. Use them to begin longer narrative essays, begin class discussions, or introduce elements of fiction in your language arts class. What are your goals for high school ? What would you do?