Beyond the Prompt: Nurturing Florida Students Who Can Read, Argue, Reason, and Write Like Cambridge AICE Scholars

Cambridge AICE English General Paper asks students to take on big global topics, weigh competing viewpoints, and write cohesive, evidence-based arguments. Handing them a challenging prompt and a rubric isn't enough.

Join ThinkCERCA for a practical look at how Florida schools can prepare students for advanced academic reading and writing in grades 9 through 12. Aligned with Cambridge International expectations, ThinkCERCA's AICE English General Paper curriculum use the CERCA framework (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning, Counterargument, Audience) to teach the thinking underneath strong essays. You'll see how a repeatable instructional cycle, built-in scaffolds that gradually release to independence, and real-time data work together. You will see how the curriculum not only meets Cambridge International expectations but also addresses Florida B.E.S.T. expectations while building Florida F.A.S.T. reading skills and exposure.

You'll leave with:

◾A clear picture of how advanced reading and writing demands differ from core expectations

◾A grade-by-grade alignment for supporting students and teachers no matter what grade students enroll in AICE English General Paper

◾Strategies for using scaffolds to give access without lowering the ceiling

◾A look at the teacher tools: custom lesson builder, rubrics, feedback, and data

◾Who should attend: Florida district and school leaders, AICE coordinators, and ELA teachers in grades 9–12.

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