Description
CIMA 706
Assignment 1: The Advocacy/Argumentative Essay
Advocacy defined:
1) Advocacy is acting on behalf of others.
1. Advocacy means to be prominently and deeply attentive
and concerned in a certain situation or topic. Whether it may be a miniscule or a
great, cosmic idea, anything can essentially be advocated as long as the
advocator holds true passion and perseverance in attaining more information
on that stimulating topic that interests them. Furthermore, advocacy also
implies representing that certain cause with great vigor and confidence to
ensure a credible defense in the case if one questioned or argued against it.
1. A good advocate must be confident in what they are advocating. Not only is this a crucial
characteristic of a strong and persuasive advocate but also a key element since it shows that
the advocator knows what they are talking about from their trustful knowledge as well as
perspective.
2. A good advocate should be respectful because this will enable the advocator to seem
proper and professional so that their whole journey in discovering and exploring ideas on
their topic will appear more compelling.
3. A good advocate is genuine. If the advocator is genuinely passionate about the idea, cause,
or topic that they are advocating for, the authenticity sincerity of their argument will seem
more compelling to consequently make the audience become moved and persuaded.
4. A good advocate is tenacious. With tenacity, an advocator could overcome various
unforeseen rebuttals against what they’re advocating and try their best to either prove
them wrong, persuade them, or even acknowledge but offer more of your own opinion in
an empowering approach.
Purpose of Assignment:
1. The purpose of this assignment is to identify a challenge/issue within education as a whole
or within a single building/district, and then build a case through an advocacy essay to make
the change.
Sample Advocacy challenge statement: To convince the local school board that
agricultural education is an integral part of core content curriculum through the
application of classroom content through hands on, experiential learning. Also, it is
essential to the development of 21st century skills for students.
Directions:
As a group you will draft an Advocacy Paper/Essay proposing a solution/change that
addresses a challenge/need in Education. This Advocacy Paper will be presented to a decision
body that you identify for consideration
Review the How to Write and Advocacy Essay in the Resource Module for some guidance.
Follow APA formatting and NSU assignment formatting
CIMA 706
Assignment 1: The Advocacy/Argumentative Essay
Include a Reference Page that includes a minimum of 5 references
1. The following components must be incorporated in the proposed advocacy/argument.
a. You can add more, but at a minimum please address these key points. Use these as your
potential subtopics.
b. Include the following sections:
i. Cover Page;
ii. Introduction (Setting the stage/ Potential Background of the situation);
iii. Body (Advocacy details with supportive research;)
iv. Closing Argument;
v. Reference Page
vi.
1) What is the identified challenge to be overcome?
What problem are you trying to solve?
Provide evidence that the problem exists (See and analyze the problem through various
perspectives of others)
Include valid information from studies whether from statistics, research, or any kind of
primary source to support your claim.
2) Why is it important to address this challenge and make a change?( Change Benefit
analysis)
Why is this change required at this time?
What are the threats and opportunities?
What is the end goal as the result of this change?
Supporting research for this implementation
1. Where has it been successfully implemented within the last 5 years
2. Projected success rate based on research
3) Who is impacted by this change?
Key Stakeholders?
What Resistance is encountered and how is it addressed?
4) How will this change initiative be implemented?
Communication plan?
Timeline?
Sustainability Plan?
Cost-benefit analysis?
5) How does this initiative link with the overall Goals or Mission of the organization or entity
you are presenting your advocacy to.
Ie Impact to student achievement/Alignment with District Vision and Goals
Summary considerations to help your thought process:
2) Diagnose the problem: Conduct a needs assessment to identify gaps and problems in
the system. For example, if ESL students are struggling with low reading scores, what are
the contributing factors?
3) Develop a vision: Identify ways to address gaps and problems. For example, establishing
an afterschool program to support ESL learners and give more personalized instruction
might improve scores.
CIMA 706
Assignment 1: The Advocacy/Argumentative Essay
4) Create a step-by-step implementation plan: List the steps to achieve this vision. This
may include allocating a budget for the staff and technology needed for such a program,
finding the teachers who will work after school, and selecting computer programs to
support ESL learning.
5) Implement the plan: Communicate with teachers, parents, and administrators to get
the resources to start implementing the plan.
6) Review the outcomes: Find ways to measure the success of the SIP and adjust it as
needed. ie..Have the reading scores of ESL students taking part in the afterschool
program improved? How can the school motivate those who have not joined the
program and are still struggling to participate?
