Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC)

ERWC is a curriculum written by CSU faculty, high school teachers, and school administrators to better prepare twelfth grade students for the rigor of college writing. It focuses on rhetorical writing strategies with a focus on expository texts and authentic writing tasks. (For more information, click here).

In an effort to support the greater Bay Area in preparing students for college, the Alameda County Office of Education proudly serves as the Region IV ERWC lead. We support seven counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Solano, San Francisco, and San Mateo in certifying 12th grade teachers to teach this course, as well as all other secondary-level teachers in implementing modules that are aligned to ERWC. We also offer trainings for teachers who would like a refresher and updates on the curriculum.

COVID-19 UPDATE: Due to the recent pandemic and subsequent Shelter in Place directive, the requirements for ERWC teachers have changed:

• Teachers new to ERWC who will be teaching it in Fall 2020 can be granted access to the online curriculum (please contact Maria Vlahiotis at mvlahiotis@acoe.org)
• Their students will receive ERWC credit for earning a C- or above in the course if Maria Vlahiotis (mvlahiotis@acoe.org) is provided with the teachers' names, which she will then pass along to the CSU
• These teachers must agree to professional learning in Fall 2020 (what this will look like has yet to be determined)
• The recommendation is that these teachers partner with a veteran ERWC teacher, if possible, for support
• FOR ALL ERWC TEACHERS: The CSU has released a two-minute video with instructions on how to access materials on ERWC virtual instruction

Wondering how the Expository Reading and Writing Course helps 12th graders in their first year at a CSU?

• View the California State University's Academic Preparation: Maximizing Student Success booklet to learn about first-year course placement and the Early Start Program
• View the Office of the Chancellor's Academic Preparation for Success presentation on CSU policy changes
• View CSU East Bay's Freshman Placement Pathways presentation to understand the application of these policy changes at the local level