Date of Award
6-1-1987
Document Type
Practicum
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Center for the Advancement of Education
Advisor
Dr. Joan Horn
Keywords
academically gifted, advanced placement, advanced placement programs, essay tests, evaluation methods, holistic evaluation, rhetoric, test construction, testing problems, writing evaluation, writing instruction, writing research, writing skills
Abstract
The high percentage of Advanced Placement English Language and Composition Students receiving below average grades on the Advanced Placement Examination was addressed by the implementation of a composition program including the use of the rubric as an instructional device, the use of forensic invention as an instructional strategy teaching writing in the argumentative mode of rhetorical discourse, and the use of intensive weekend sessions of test simulation. Results were measured by a pre-test post-test essay examination graded holistically by a qualifier reader using a scoring rubric. Students were expected to improve to a standard equaling that of the national sample. It is expected that elements pf the program will be expanded to include department implementation and cross-curricular application.