PROPOSAL for the Argumentative Research Paper

Example 2

Student Example

D. Quintero

English 1301

09 September 2020

Proposal: Time for the STAAR to Fall

1. Introduction

· Every year, all students in Texas public schools must pass STAAR exams. Student performance affects whether they advance to the next grade, and it affects school rating which puts enormous pressure at all levels. These are among just a few reasons why the STAAR should be done away with.

· STAAR exams were first administered in 2011. It is administered at all grade levels beginning in the 3rd grade. Students in grades 5 and 8 must pass the STAAR exams to advance to the next grade and all high school students must pass five exams to graduate. Schools are rated based on student STAAR performance and can be shut down if students do not perform well throughout all grade levels.

· A major problem with the STAAR testing is the bad consequences that go along with poor results. The consequences that go along with poor student STAAR performance needs to be rethought. In the meantime, the STAAR exams should be done away with.

· My primary audience is those who make the law requiring these tests and consequences to be given. I also address teachers and parents. The lawmakers who read this may change their mind to see my point of view. Parents and teachers who read this will have more information about the exams and how it affects all levels.

2. Proposal

· My argumentative research essay will examine the negative consequences of STAAR exams that are required in the Texas public school system and show that STAAR exams for be done away with.

· It will argue that STAAR tests should be used because they do not reflect grade level, cause stress, and cause teachers to overlook required learning objectives.

3. Plan of Action

1. I have attended Texas public schools since the 2nd grade and have taken STAAR exams every year. I know first-hand how stressful the tests are for students, teachers, and parents. I hope that my essay will sway readers to consider eliminating the exams as a requirement to advance to future grades.

1. I will research this topic on the internet. I also intend to interview Texas public school teacher and parents.

1. I have researched the internet for arguments for and against the STAAR exams. In my search I found the following quote from Texas Monthly in the article titled “Are Texas Kids Failing? Or Are the Tests Rigged?” that shows my argument against stress, “School nurses began to see kids suffering from anxiety just before test days—kids who complained of stomachaches, headaches, and just plain old fear—in numbers far greater than they had during the TAKS era.”

1. I anticipate problems with getting teachers to respond to my survey. I also anticipate that those I interview or research I find may take a different stance on the topic that is opposite to my own. My opponents’ strongest argument against my proposal is that the tests are there to make the teachers accountable for teaching. Some would argue that if students fail the STAAR then the teacher must be bad.

4. Necessary Resources

· I need a lot of time to get this essay accomplished. I need to give myself at least two hours a day. I will need to be able to access the Writing Center. I also need cooperation from teachers to respond to my survey or talk to me in interviews. I will also need internet access.

5. Preparations Made

· To prepare, I have already begun internet research. I am trying to put together survey questions for teachers, students, and parents. I have already spoken with other parents and students about my research and gotten their point of view.

6. Conclusion

· This topic is very important to me, because I remember the stress I went through every year of school through high school. I saw friends fail even though they were making passing grades in classes. I had teachers teach to the STAAR exam in the months leading up to the test. The STAAR exam should not be used as a way to determine passing or failing students.