Sunday, April 26, 2009

Writing Development

Writing effectiveness is determined by how well the writer mantains purpose, organizes the information, provides details, and uses voice and tone.

Holistic Scoring Rubrics
These types of rubrics are often used when scoring a large number of writing samples with the goal of determining where the writing falls within the identified numerical score. These rating are often done on a 4 or 6 point scale, such as the ISTEP. There are a wide sampling of rubrics to be found on the Internet, and also sites available where you can create your own rubric.

Analytic Scoring Rubrics
These types of rubrics supply more information about a child's progress, and are therefore used more often by schools or districts. These are most often designed around the six-trait model for writing that include the areas of: ideas and content, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions. You can find more information about each trait at http://www.nwrel.org/assessment/pdfRubrics/6plus1traits.PDF

Student Portfolios
This is an informal, but popular way of keeping records of student writing. This authentic form of assessment allows students to take an active role in their growth as writers. These portfolios hold a collection of student's work over time. These pieces should also be a combination of student chosen and teacher chosen work. For student chosen selections the student should also provide some insight as to why they chose this piece for their portfolio as well as some strengths and goals for future writings.

Instructional Approaches for Writing Development
Shared writing demonstrations are beneficial if the teacher shows an enthusiasm and passion for the subject. It also works best if the pace is quick and lively. Shared writings can be used to practice a new genre of writing as well as managing new forms of writing or trying out new writing styles. These shared writing demonstrations can also be used to turn some of your classroom mini-lesson topics into crafted, finished writing pieces.

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