The Expository Reading and Writing Curriculum (ERWC) is a college preparatory (A-G), rhetoric-based English language arts course for grades 11 and 12 designed to develop academic literacy (advanced proficiency in rhetorical and analytical reading, writing, and thinking). The ERWC also offers a curriculum for grades 7-10, with at least four extended modules per grade level. Modules with designated English language development (ELD) are available for grades 9-12.

A major initiative of the California State University (CSU) system is the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP). The EAP is administered in a student’s 11th grade year and provides indicators as to the readiness of a student to be successful in college-level work for English (as well as mathematics). In the early 2000s, CSU faculty noticed a significant decline in students' readiness to be successful. Soon thereafter, a contingent of CSU faculty, high school teachers, and high school administrators began developing and creating the first ERWC curriculum. 

ERWC is the first of its kind to bring in those various stakeholders to develop a curriculum in this matter. As a result of this collaboration, the ERWC curriculum has changed how English teachers prepare high school students for college. Using rhetorical inquiry to encourage critical thinking, students learn strategies that help them thrive in college.

Grounded in research-based best practices and cutting-edge educational pedagogies, ERWC has just released a major update to its curriculum (also known as ERWC 3.0 or simply 3.0). 

Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) is proud to partner with California State University, San Bernardino as we work to serve the districts, schools, and teachers of the Riverside, Inyo, Mono, San Bernardino (RIMS) Counties region for your ERWC needs. 

ERWC Summer Literacy Conference 2025

More information coming soon!

Professional Learning

ERWC 3.0 Introductory
High school English language arts teachers may register for a four-day* workshop to become an ERWC-certified instructor, co-sponsored by the CSU and the California county offices of education, there is no fee for registration or materials.

Click Here to Register!

ERWC Webinars

Click Here to Access Webinars

Adopt ERWC in Your School

Is your high school considering adopting ERWC? Learn more about the easy application process.

HOW TO APPLY

Online Community

Teachers who have participated in the four-day* professional learning workshop are given access to the vibrant ERWC online community. The online community in addition to hosting the complete curriculum for ERWC includes a robust discussion with ERWC teachers, trainers, and CSU faculty surrounding modules and assignments within modules, etc. 

Resources

Expository Reading and Writing Curriculum (ERWC) Theoretical Foundations for Reading and Writing Rhetorically. While it is a nine-page read, it goes into depth about the pedagogical shifts including Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies (CSP), broadening the notions of reading composing and literacy, thinking rhetorically, student centered-discussion, goal setting, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), engagement and motivation as well as the idea of transfer of learning.

Becoming an ERWC Trainer for RCOE

ERWC is always looking for great trainers! If you're interested in being a workshop trainer with Region 10 (Region 10 services Riverside, Inyo, Mono, and San Bernardino Counties), please click the link below and fill out the interest survey as this will let us know of your interest. Typically, ERWC trainers are secondary English teachers who have been teaching the ERWC course for 3-5 years. While this experience is preferred it is not necessarily required. Please respond to the survey questions based on your knowledge and experience. As trainer opportunities become available throughout the course of the school year, we will periodically review surveys and extend an invitation to connect. Please contact galaniz@rcoe.us if you have any questions.

ERWC Survey