The CER Toolkit teaches students how to organize their thinking using the Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning framework...a strategy that strengthens writing, critical thinking, and communication across every content area. Whether students are analyzing literature, explaining scientific data, supporting historical claims, or defending an opinion, CER provides a clear structure for making evidence-based arguments.
 
Designed with middle and high school learners in mind, this toolkit combines explicit instruction, scaffolded supports, and practical classroom activities that make CER approachable for all learners.
 
Inside you'll find:
 
Welcome Educators letter
Ways to Use This Resource
What is CER?
Understanding Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning
Claim Deep Dive
Weak vs. Strong Claims
Finding Strong Evidence
Explaining Your Reasoning
CER sentence stems
Academic vocabulary bank
Color-coding CER activity
Multiple graphic organizers
Cross-curricular examples (English, Science, and History)
Student self-check checklist
Reflection opportunities
 
Perfect for:
 
English Language Arts
Science
Social Studies
Health
CTE
Advisory
Resource classrooms
Intervention groups
Special Education
General Education