Jim Jordan has taught AP English Language and Composition at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory in San Francisco since 2000, serving as English Department Chair, Cross-Curricular Writing Coordinator, and Instructional Coach. A College Board endorsed consultant in rhetoric and interdisciplinary skills, Jim has served as a Reader, Table Leader, Question Leader and Exam Leader for the AP English Language Exam since 2007, and is currently an AP Exam item writer. Jim has promoted the interdisciplinary value of rhetoric in recent years at the College Board National Forum, the AP Annual Conference and AP Summer Institutes in over a dozen states. Jim earned a BA Degree in Broadcast Journalism from San Francisco State University and an MA in Catholic School Leadership from the University of San Francisco.
Course Description: This workshop is designed for teachers of AP English Language and Composition. We will focus on motivating students by demonstrating ways rhetoric can prepare them not only for the AP Language exam, but for success in all upper-level academic courses. Beginning with rhetorical reading strategies and activities, we will explore contemporary units and lessons proven to help students master the three main skills required for success in the course: argument, rhetorical analysis, and research (synthesis). Participants will receive several model writing exercises and assessments, including highly accessible models for analyzing the common arguments we encounter in our daily lives. Because AP English Language students need many opportunities to discuss complex texts in multiple genres, participants will gain hands-on experience with rhetorical-reading approaches to non-fiction, literary, and informational texts. We will conduct a simulated reading of recent Free-Response exam questions, and participants will receive full sets of sample student essays along with strategies for using those samples to inform teaching and learning. Please bring a laptop or tablet for immediate access to multiple digital resources.
Workshop Goals:
- To identify and apply the standards of the AP English Language and Composition exam to classroom practices
- To explore and develop effective AP Language units and lessons
- To expand participants’ repertoire of successful instructional strategies
- To explore online resources such as AP Classroom and AP Central
- To develop a network of valuable colleagues
- To promote the cross-disciplinary benefits of AP English Language curriculum
Workshop Agenda
Day 1: Multiple Choice and Rhetorical Analysis
- Course and Exam Description
- Equity and Access; What AP Stands For
- Exam Overview
- Course Design
- AP Classroom
- MC Strategies
- AP Rhetorical Analysis Essay Question
- Practice Essay Scoring
- Reading Rhetorically
- Articulating a Perception in Writing
- Teaching Texts Rhetorically (including classic literature)
Day 2 Argument and Synthesis
- AP Argument Essay Question
- Practice Essay Scoring
- Writing Rhetorically
- Law-School Approach to Convincing Audiences
- Toulmin vs. Rogerian vs. Classical
- Process Writing Toolbox (including AI)
- AP Synthesis Essay Question
- Forming a Well-Considered Perspective and Entering the Conversation
- Cross-Curricular Value of AP Lang
To register for English Language Two-Day Workshop October 9 and 10, 2026:
FIRST:
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