Blog | ThinkCERCA

Supporting Instruction with CERCA AI

Written by Andrea Katona | August 15, 2025

Teachers have always been masters of multitasking: planning lessons, grading, differentiating instruction, building relationships, and keeping up with ever-evolving standards. A recent EdWeek Research Center survey found teachers spend an average of five extra hours each week just on grading and feedback. That is valuable time that could be spent engaging students in meaningful learning.

At ThinkCERCA, we believe every teacher should have the tools to do less “busy work” and more of the high-impact work that only humans can do such as coaching, questioning, and inspiring students. That is where CERCA AI comes in.

Why Writing, Why Now?

Student writing outcomes are under pressure. Recent NAEP data shows stagnant or declining reading performance across many states, underscoring the need for more integrated literacy instruction. Writing, especially writing that blends Claim, Evidence, Reasoning, Counterargument, and Audience awareness, is one of the most effective ways to deepen reading comprehension, critical thinking, and academic success.

What CERCA AI Brings to the Classroom

CERCA AI is not here to replace teachers. It is here to extend your reach. Our AI-powered feedback:

  • Provides immediate, rubric-aligned feedback on student drafts
  • Gives students actionable, personalized suggestions that are never vague or generic
  • Supports metacognition by prompting students to reflect on their reasoning and evidence
  • Encourages multiple cycles of revision and feedback

Students can request feedback when they are ready, revise at their own pace, and resubmit for more guidance before you even see the draft. That means more polished work lands on your desk, and your feedback can go deeper.

AI That Works With Teachers, Not Instead of Them

We know AI cannot capture the nuance of a student’s voice or replace the empathy and insight of a skilled educator. That is why teachers stay in control:

  • You can review, adjust, or override AI-generated scores and comments
  • You decide how and when students use AI in the writing process
  • You use AI insights to guide conferences, reteaching, or targeted skill-building

Proven Impact

Independent studies show ThinkCERCA users achieve 1.5 to 2.5 years of reading growth in a single school year. A Gates Foundation sponsored study found significant gains across nearly every writing skill in just eight weeks. On the PSAT, ThinkCERCA students had 20 percentage points higher AP potential than peers.

Teaching Students to Use AI Thoughtfully

Part of preparing students for the future is teaching them to engage with AI critically:

  • Treat feedback like a conversation by agreeing, disagreeing, or asking follow-up questions
  • Always check for accuracy and relevance
  • Make intentional revision choices instead of blindly following suggestions
Bringing CERCA AI Into Your Classroom

Getting started is simple:

  • Choose a CERCA-aligned writing lesson that matches your current unit
  • Decide when students will use AI feedback, during drafting, revising, or both
  • Provide support structures like the CERCA rubric, peer discussion prompts, or revision checklists

The goal is not perfect writing. It is engaged learners who reflect, revise, and grow. With CERCA AI, teachers save time, students get better feedback, and everyone can focus on what matters most: learning.

Ready to see CERCA AI in action?
Schedule a demo or log into your ThinkCERCA account to explore AI-enhanced writing feedback today.