Expository Reading and Writing Course

The Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC) is a grade-12 English course developed by California State University faculty, high school teachers, and administrators to improve the academic literacy of high school seniors, thereby reducing the need for students to enroll in remedial English courses upon entering college. The course emphasizes in-depth study of expository, analytical, and argumentative reading and writing using primarily nonfiction texts. The yearlong course includes 12 modules (units), of which teachers are expected to teach 8 to 10. Each module follows an Assignment Template with three domains: Reading Rhetorically, Connecting Reading to Writing, and Writing Rhetorically. Students engage in extensive writing assignments (750-1,500 word analytical essays), timed in-class writing, and portfolio development. The course also integrates oral language development through class discussions, presentations, and collaborative activities. Teachers receive professional learning consisting of a two-day summer session, professional learning community meetings (at least 9 per year), and coaching sessions (at least 4 per year). All curriculum materials are provided including teacher and student versions of the curriculum, student readers, and two full-length books.