Assignment

The scenario:

You are now an expert on the parenting topic you have been studying throughout the term. The Governor's Office is examining how it allocates funds for initiatives that serve parents and families in your state. It is interested in your views on the topic you have studied as it prepares for the new legislative session.

Your task is to submit a position paper to the Governor's Office that provides both a summary of what your research has uncovered as well as a recommendation for further action.

What is a position paper?

A position paper is a brief document that accurately and succinctly highlights key points surrounding an issue and makes a recommendation based upon this information. A good position paper contains a great deal of information in just one or two pages and is concisely and efficiently written so that the reader feels that he/she has a firm grasp of the key issues after having read the summary. The writer must also be convincing in making and supporting a recommendation. Note that position papers are by nature inherently biased.

Building on the work you have done for your annotated bibliography and in-class presentation, use the research evidence you have gathered throughout the term to make your case and support your position. Identify all sides of the issue, then include statistics that tell the reader about the scope and scale of the problem. Present the strengths and weaknesses of your position and then suggest some possible solutions.

Format

• Each student will submit a 1-2 page single-spaced position paper. Page length does not include the reference list.

• The document should have 1" margins on all sides.

• Use a standard font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.

• Include in-text citations and a reference list at the end of your report. In-text citations and references should follow APA format (for help with APA format, visit the APA tutorial available through the Course Content link).

• Writing should be clear, concise and professional. Avoid jargon. Proofread your work!

Resources

Here are some websites about position papers that may be useful:

• Pearson Higher Ed Position Papers: http://www.pearsonhighered.com/showcase/johnson-sheehan/assets/ch11.pdf

• Study Guides and Strategies: http://www.studygs.net/wrtstr9.htm

• Writing a position paper: http://www.sfu.ca/cmns/130d1/WritingaPositionPaper.htm