### Class Summary Report
#### Title:
“Policy Issues and Persuasive Writing: Crafting Effective Op-Eds”
#### Attendance:
– Number of students absent: 7 (Winslow, Amira, Timur, Mumtaz, Rashad, Messer, and one unnamed student)
#### Topics Covered:
– **Introduction to Op-Ed Assignment:**
– Explanation of the op-ed’s purpose and requirements.
– Discussion of the differences between policy briefs and op-eds.
– Emphasis on persuasive writing for a general audience.
– **Op-Ed Assignment Guidelines:**
– Deadline and length of the assignment.
– Choosing a policy problem and a solution.
– Adapting language for a lay audience and the chosen publication.
– Role-playing as a policy actor.
– Structuring the op-ed with a strong introduction, body, and conclusion.
– **Grading Rubric Overview:**
– Criteria for assessment: comprehension, audience engagement, clarity, persuasiveness, structure, and writing quality.
– **Policy Problem Brainstorming:**
– Students split into groups to brainstorm policy problems and solutions for different countries.
#### Actionable Items:
– **Grading Midterms:**
– The teacher needs to prioritize grading the remaining midterms.
– **Op-Ed Assignment Clarifications:**
– Provide further examples or templates for the op-ed assignment.
– Clarify the role-playing aspect and the importance of specifying a policy actor.
– **Student Guidance:**
– Offer additional support for students in narrowing down broad policy issues into actionable solutions.
#### Homework:
– Each student must select one policy problem and a corresponding solution to focus on for their op-ed.
– Students should come to the next class prepared to start writing their op-ed outline.