Raise or Raze?

I see that this WPA Outcomes Statement is very similar to the Framework for Success document. It is based on current research in the composition field and provides a nice frame for postsecondary composition teachers. I also like that this document is used by every college; having that continuity is really important and I think because K-12 schools don’t have such a structure leads to many of the issues with why K-12 schools aren’t adequately preparing students for postsecondary work. Yes I know about Common Core, and standards as I am credentialed in a couple of subjects. But there are so many to choose from – and there isn’t such a statement that focuses on outcomes in the K-12 schools. I wonder how long schools have been using this? And how it began? Does this have any bearing on its acceptance and use? Is it updated frequently? Do other disciplines have similar documents?

The WPA Outcomes statement gives postsecondary teachers a way to enter into the family of postsecondary teachers, not to mention providing them a way to enter the conversation of how and why teach what we teach. This document reminds me very much of the persuasive techniques in rhetoric. It has logos, pathos, and ethos. We are explained why it is sound pedagogy to use these outcomes; it appeals to us to “join the crowd” and of course we don’t want our students to fail, hence the ethical dilemma for adopting the outcomes. This document is also accessible which makes it transparent. The openness must mean something – the scholars who put it together did so for good reasons – maybe to argue for the necessity of such quality writing in its students. Overall, having these expectations outlined in a document like this can only improve the quality of teaching and of learning. Teachers get a nice outline and students understand what they are going to learn.

Something else I was thinking about: how does one discuss this in a cover letter/philosophy/sample curriculum when job hunting? Do the prospective schools just see that you have incorporated some of the elements into your work? Or do we name it directly???

The breakdown into rhetorical knowledge, critical thinking/reading/writing, processes,and knowledge of conventions . were discussed at length in the previous blog post.