An Analysis of Best Practices To Teach Formal Writing Skills in AP High School Courses

Abstract

Formal writing skills are essential to the professional development of students planning to attend college or the work force upon graduating from high school. This quantitative study examines best practices and frequencies for writing using AP high school courses across content areas. This study will provide evidence of how frequencies of best practices for writing contributes to student writing success which can be reflected on outcome scores demonstrated on AP exams. 9 th through 12th grade teachers who teach AP courses in English, History, Math, and Science answer a 19 question survey which outlined best practices for writing and different frequencies for student engagement. There are a total of nine best practices which include identifying similarities, summary and practice, providing recognition and reinforcing effort, non-linguistic representation, cooperative learning environment, setting objectives and providing feedback, generating and testing hypothesis, and cues, questions, and graphic organizers are some of the best practices that are considered throughout this study. Each survey question asks about the best practices and the frequency is determined in the following manner: never, yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily. At the end of the study, the research will provide evidence of best practices for writing are used across AP content areas to help students improve their writing and develop their writing capabilities.