The assignment is:

Question

Final project is to write an Educational Debate Persuasive Paper on a current educational debate. I chose "Does Prepping for High-Stakes Tests Interfere with Teaching?"
Read the "yes" and "no" opinions in the related chapter in the textbook. The paper will be your argument to persuade readers that your position on the debate is correct. My position is that I believe High-Stakes testing does interfere with teaching. Your paper will also need to address the opposing viewpoint and provide arguments against this view. For the final project you will need to include at least 3 reliable resources that support your thesis. Your paper should be 1,750-2,100 words long and follow APA guidelines.
This is do in 6 weeks from now. However, the oulineis due Thursday along with an annotated bibliography.
I have started working on my outline but would like a little input please.

Does Prepping for High-Stakes Tests Interfere with Teaching?
Introduction
My first paragraph will be about the requirements of state-mandated tests.
Next will be how these requirements affect teachers.
Following with the opposing viewpoints and arugments against them.
Conclusion

I am having trouble coming up with more for the body of the paper.

Answer 1

In the Introduction I am also going to define what high-stakes tests commonly known as state mandated tests are.

Answer 2

You're mixing up content with introductory ideas. If you get into technical definitions in the introduction, you will lose your reader's interest.

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/intros.htm

http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/intro.html

Save the specifics and definitions for the body of your paper. And DON'T try to write the intro first; write the body of the paper first -- then you'll know for sure what you're trying to introduce!

Answer 3

So should I start the first paragraph of the body with defining state mandated tests. Should I put the requirements of the test in the same paragraph? Then in the next paragraph state how these requirements affect teachers in the classroom. Then follow with the opposing side. Then do the conclusion to tie it all together and then go back and do the introduction.

Do you have any suggestions for reliable sources I could use for any of this information.

Answer 4

sorry forgot to put my name on the last comment.

Answer 5

So should I start the first paragraph of the body with defining state mandated tests. Should I put the requirements of the test in the same paragraph? Yes, to both questions - or maybe make them the topics of two paragraphs, one right after the other.

Then in the next paragraph state how these requirements affect teachers in the classroom. Yes -- and how that situation affects kids, too.

Then follow with the opposing side. Yes.

Then do the conclusion to tie it all together and then go back and do the introduction. Yes, exactly. You'll write a much better intro once you've done the body of the paper. Can you imagine writing an intro (to a not-yet-written paper) and then discovering new ideas while writing the body of the paper ... and having to go back and rewrite the intro? What a waste of time!

Answer 6

So for an outline:
I. Introduction
II. Body
A. Define State Mandated Tests
B. Requirements of State Mandated Tests.
1. How do these requirements affect teachers?
2. How do these requirements affect students?
C. Opposing Argument
III. Conclusion

Answer 7

Sounds good!!

Remember that each number or letter doesn't have to be limited to only one paragraph. It's YOUR paper so YOU should make those kinds of decisions.

The outline looks solid ... go for it!

Answer 8

Now I have to do an annotated bibliongraphy with this as part of this weeks assignment. If I post the bibliography will you give me feedback? Do you know some reliable sources with information on state mandated tests?