Preparing Students for Research Simulation Tasks

This workshop equips educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to prepare students for the Research Simulation Task (RST) section of standardized assessments. Through a deep dive into RST structures, sample tasks, and standards alignment, teachers learn how to guide students in reading and analyzing multiple texts and multimedia sources. The session also emphasizes writing strategies to develop well-supported, organized essays using textual evidence.

• Students’ difficulty in synthesizing information from multiple sources.
  
  
• Challenges in citing textual evidence accurately and effectively.
  
  
• Limited student familiarity with the expectations and format of RSTs.
  

1. Effective RST Response Process
   Participants will learn a structured process for teaching students how to approach RSTs, from understanding the prompt to planning, writing, and revising essays. This includes breaking down prompts, gathering and organizing evidence, and constructing thesis-driven responses.
   
   
2. Standards-Aligned Instructional Strategies
   Educators will explore the specific reading, writing, and language standards assessed in RSTs and align their instruction to build the necessary analytical and writing skills. The workshop provides tools for helping students cite evidence, develop arguments, and enhance vocabulary and grammar usage.
   
   
3. Skill-Building Activities for Evidence-Based Writing
   Attendees will gain access to classroom-ready strategies and activities focused on quoting, paraphrasing, and structuring claims and evidence. These resources aim to strengthen students’ ability to write informative and explanatory texts based on multiple sources, ultimately improving their performance on high-stakes assessments.