Locating and Using Sources

        One scholarly article related to my research topic is titled "Teaching to the Test: A Controversial Issue in Quantitative Measurement." The process I used in order to determine whether or not the source was scholarly or not is as follows:

(1) I first recognized this article as being scholarly first by noting that it came from the Texas A&M University database. 

(2) Then the article noted that the author was a Master of Education Instructor.

(3) I noticed that the article had a more serious, polished look with no pictures. And it also included an abstract. 

(4) It also contained references to other sources at the end of the article. 

(5) The language was very professional and the article contained technical terms. 

(6) It was evident that the article was intended for academic or research communities with a purpose to share what the author researched.

        Summary of the Article:

In this article Styron presents a researched-based discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of “teaching to the test.” The article explores the concept of “teaching to the test” initially, and compares this current testing system to the old testing system used in the past. She concludes with agreeing with the recommendation of using specific procedures for deterring teachers from “teaching to the test.” The article does a good job with providing the disadvantages of “teaching to the test,” which also explain how this teaching method prevents teachers from adequately preparing their students for future grade levels and college. The author does a good job of conveying a rhetorical message by establishing ethos, or credibility through its scholarly research.