Arthurs Students Learn to Argue With Help from the Trenton Police Department

Students at Arthurs Middle School assisted the Trenton Police Department in investigating a fictitious crime created by sixth grade language arts teacher Julie Grimmelsman.

Grimmelsman teamed up with officer Mike Oakley on Jan. 9 to teach students lessons in argument writing, which is part of the new common core state standards, according to Grimmelsman.

Students were given a fictitious scenario, involving teens who threw a rock through a store window, and were asked to find evidence that determines the person(s) who committed the crime.

Grimmelsman collected each student's written version of the crime and sent them to the police station where Oakley looked them over, and then visited Arthurs to discuss their work.

While at the school Oakley spoke to students about the importance of supporting claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

"Police do this type of writing and thinking on a daily basis," Grimmelsman said.

Grimmelsman said Oakley did a good job and students learned the basics of argument writing including making and supporting claims.

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