• Sleep Argument Unit: 
    This week of readings and writing utilize a sample argumentative Smarter Balanced assessment released for student use.  
    It shows the type of test that will replace the HSPE in measuring student proficiency for Common Core State Standards. South Bend's English classes are using this assessment as a 6-8 district writing prompt in order to determine individual, classroom, and district-wide learning targets.  Task responses are due at the end of the school day Friday, March 15th.  They will be scored on the following Mon. March 19th.
     
    Learning Targets: 
    As students engage in this assessment, they are developing and demonstrating skills.  
    *The student will select evidence to support opinions based on collected evidence.
    *The student will cite evidence to support arguments, analyses, or critiques.
    *The students will integrate information by paraphrasing while avoiding plagiarism.
     *The student will write to support claims in and analysis of topics or texts using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.  He she can do this by presenting an argument in a formal style that utilizes an introduction, supporting details (including evidence from credible sources),  transitions, and a concluding paragraph. 
     
    About the test: 
     *The reading portion consists of three sources written by authors who have taken different positions on the issue.  There are three questions students will answer related to the four sources.  Students are encouraged to take notes as they read and may use their notes later when they write their arguments.
    *Using a format such as the ones shown by these graphic organizers may assist with note taking: Claim, Evidence, and Interpretation. 
    *Time is given in class to complete the readings.
     
    *The writing part, including brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing, will also occur in class.
    *The writing portion has a set of rubrics that will be used to score student responses Argument Rubrics.  
    *This sample outline with explanations can help individuals unfamiliar with argumentative writing Argument Writing Tips.
    * Each teacher will give students directions about the final draft for submission.  
     
     
    To begin reading sources in the format that will be used on Smarter Balanced Assessments follow these steps:
    1) Click this guest account link.   
    2) Scroll down to the bottom and select the green, right-hand box labeled "Student Interface Practice and Training Tests"
    3) Leave all information autofilled as it is and Click "Yes."
    4) Using the drop down menu for grade choose "7."  (All 6-8 students will use the same readings and task information.) 
    5) Click "Yes"
    6) Select the bottom right-hand corner option "Start G7 ELA Performance Task" 
    7) Use all of the default settings as they are listed.  Click "Select" 
    8) Click "Yes, Start My Test" on the confirmation page. 
    9) You will not need audio for this portion, however, whether you hear sound or not, click "Yes."
    10) Because this is a practice test, the information on the page labeled "Test Instructions and Help" can be skipped.  Click "Begin Test Now." 
     
    Printable source materials and the student writing prompt.
     
     
    The Spanish version of source #1 is below  to support ELL students.  This was generated using the Google translate function.