Expository Reading and Writing Curriculum (ERWC)
The Expository Reading and Writing Curriculum (ERWC) is a nationally recognized, evidence-based college- and career-readiness initiative designed to strengthen students’ reading, writing, critical thinking, communication, and academic confidence.
Developed through a long-standing partnership between the California State University (CSU) and K–12 educators, ERWC engages students in inquiry-based study of compelling issues and diverse literary and informational texts. Students learn to analyze how writers and speakers use language for different audiences, purposes, genres, and contexts while developing strategies they can transfer to new academic, career, and civic situations.
ERWC incorporates inquiry, rhetorical reading and writing, Teaching for Transfer, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), student agency, and integrated and designated English Language Development (ELD) to support a wide range of learners.
ERWC Across Grades 6–12
ERWC continues to expand its support for secondary students and educators.
The established 11th- and 12th-grade ERWC courses and modules provide rigorous college-preparatory English Language Arts experiences designed to prepare students for postsecondary reading, writing, and communication.
Currently, ERWC offers four or more modules (units of study) at each of the 6th-10th grade levels. These modules can be used as supplemental material in both English and ELD classes.
Through a 2024-2028 U.S. Department of Education Education Innovation and.Research (EIR) Expansion Grant, the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, in partnership with the California State University Chancellor’s Office, WestEd, and educational partners across California, Hawai‘i, New Mexico, and Washington, is expanding and studying ERWC in grades 9 and 10.
This work includes the development and implementation of new curriculum, professional learning, instructional coaching, Communities of Practice, and research designed to strengthen literacy instruction and prepare more students for success throughout high school and beyond.
Professional Learning
ERWC provides high-quality professional learning designed to help educators understand the curriculum, experience its instructional approach, and successfully implement ERWC in their classrooms.
Professional learning emphasizes:
- Rhetorical reading and writing
- Inquiry-based instruction
- Teaching for Transfer
- Universal Design for Learning
- Integrated and Designated ELD
- Student engagement and agency
- Academic literacy and college and career readiness
- Collaborative planning and reflective instructional practice
Professional learning opportunities are offered throughout the year, including regional workshops, and continuing learning opportunities for ERWC educators.
ERWC Certification
Educators interested in accessing and implementing ERWC curriculum participate in approved ERWC professional learning leading to ERWC Certification.
Certification provides educators with access to ERWC curriculum materials and opportunities for continuing professional learning and collaboration within the ERWC professional community.
Workshop formats and requirements may vary depending on grade level, prior ERWC certification, and the professional learning opportunity being offered.
ERWC Research and Evidence
ERWC has a strong history of research and continuous improvement.
Independent evaluations conducted by WestEd have demonstrated positive outcomes associated with ERWC, including statistically significant improvements in measures of college readiness. Previous research also found that 86.4% of ERWC students successfully completed credit-bearing college English during their first year of college.
The current EIR Expansion Grant continues this commitment to evidence by studying the implementation and impact of ERWC in grades 9 and 10 across multiple states.
ERWC Region VII
The Fresno County Superintendent of Schools supports ERWC implementation and professional learning throughout California's Region VII and collaborates with state and national partners to expand access to high-quality literacy curriculum and professional learning.
Schools and districts interested in ERWC professional learning, implementation support, coaching, or partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact the FCSS ERWC team.
Contact
Dr. Lisa Benham Lewis
Director - ERWC EIR Grant
ERWC Regional Contact
Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
(559) 265-3073
lbenham@fcoe.org
Shirley Hargis
ERWC Regional Contact
shargis@fcoe.org
Marlene Quiroz
Program Assistant
(559) 265-3071
mquiroz@fcoe.org
ERWC Online Resources
ERWC Online Community
Access curriculum resources, professional learning information, and the ERWC educator community.
Upcoming Professional Learning
View currently available ERWC workshops and professional learning opportunities.
