Choose one topic from the list of “Buzz Words” below and discuss why it is so controversial in the field of early childhood education. You will find three (3) articles that support/pro for your topic and three (3) articles that disagree/con with the idea. In a six (6) page paper, summarize your findings. Remember that every argument has two sides. It is important that you pay adequate attention to arguments that may disagree with your view as well as to persuade others holding your same position(s).
Choose one (1) of the following topics:
My topic is: Common Core: Describe the Common Core is it? What is its purpose? Who supports (pro) the Common Core and who is against (con) against? What is your opinion.
Format for Final Paper:
- Title Page (separate page not included in the six (6) page paper).
- Page 1: Define your topic, what is it, how do schools use it, who is it meant for, who uses it, etc.
- Pages 2-3: Summarize the three (3) articles that agree with/support your topic
- Pages 4-5: Summarize the three (3) articles that disagree with your topic
- Page 6: Summarize which side you agree with and why. What is your opinion?
- Reference page, APA Style (separate page not included in the six (6) paper).
Be sure to summarize the authors’ ideas by using your words not their words. Cite the names of the authors you are paraphrasing and the year of the article inside your paper. For example, Rivera (2011) wrote that teachers’ pay… Please note that the author and the year of the article are both in the citation.Include the references for your six (6) articles on the page titled “References.” If you have any questions along the way please feel free to ask. The paper must be typed, double spaced in 12pt. font.
Buzz Word Grading Rubric
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Excellent
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Competent
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Beginning
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Score
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Position
5 Points
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Pro and con positions are clearly identified. The writer presents his/her own position.
5 points
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Pro and con positions are defined but unevenly presented. Greater balance in presentation of pro, con, and writer’s position will improve this paper.
4-3 points
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Pro and con positions are not defined. Only the writer’s personal position is identified.
2 – 0 points
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Organization
5 Points
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Organization of the paper is well defined, integrated, and logical.
5 points
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Organization of the paper is clear enough to follow without difficulty. Improve it by defining and supporting the pro, con, and writer’s positions, and making logical transitions between ideas and paragraphs.
4-3 points
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Organization of ideas are difficult to follow. One idea per paragraph will help this paper. Organization of the paper should include an introduction, body of paper, and conclusion paragraph.
2- 0 points
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Mechanics
5 Point
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Sentence structure, mechanics, and word usage show an outstanding command of language.
5 points
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A control of language is apparent even though there are numerous errors in mechanics. To improve this paper, focus on sentence structure, mechanics, or word usage.
4-3 points
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There is a pattern of errors in sentence structure, mechanics, or word usage that interferes with understanding the writer’s ideas.
2 – 0 points
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Elaboration and Sources
5 Points
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Pro and con positions are supported by scholarly source(s).
5 points
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Sources are provided for pro and con positions but some are weak or biased for one position over the other.
4-3 points
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Sources for the writers ideas are not provided or they are weak, for example Wikipedia.com
2-0 points
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APA Format
5 Points
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APA Style is used accurately for citing six (6) sources and references. Paper is 6 pages and in correct format.
5 points
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APA is used. There are consistent errors with how sources are cited and/or referenced. Paper format is generally okay but can be improved.
____ number of sources cited in paper, six are required.
4-3 points
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APA Style is not used or used incorrectly to cite and reference sources. Paper is less than 5 pages and the format is not correct.
2-0 points
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Punctuality
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5 points
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Total Points
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30 points
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