State Assessment and Persuasive Writing in the Social Studies Instruction.

Examines current Illinois statewide assessment of social studies education. Argues conceptual knowledge assessment in the social studies should use essay tests. Includes guidelines and activities for teaching students to write persuasively. Explains various strategies to teach reading, writing, and thinking skills, including the "RAFT" paper (role of writer, audience, format, topic); opinion-proof notes; the problem-solution paper; and learning logs. (NL)