Launch
Students will launch the project by analyzing contrasting model arguments, sorting rhetorical choices by audience, and committing to an initial issue they may pursue in later phases.
Day 1
🗞️ Speech Draft Sprint
Launch 50m
Take a Stance
Students will take an initial position on a school or community issue, test that stance against competing perspectives and audience needs, draft a short public argument with a counterclaim, and use peer and editor-informed feedback to strengthen clarity, reasoning, and persuasive impact.
Days 2 - 5
🗞️ Debate Map from Op-Eds
Knowledge/Skill Building 50m
🎯 Audience Shift Claim Lab
Project Work 50m
✍️ First Op-Ed with Counterclaim
Deliverable 50m
📰 Editor Notes Revision Gate
Assessment 50m
Showcase
Students will present revised public arguments in a newsroom-style showcase, receive authentic audience feedback from peers and a local newspaper editor, defend their rhetorical choices for a specific audience, and reflect on how revision strengthened clarity, tone, and persuasive impact.
Day 5
📰 Persuasion Pressroom Showcase
Assessment 50m