Mayfair English 9-12 is administering on-demand baseline writing assessments between September 28 and October 7; the large window leaves plenty of room for teachers to work the assessment in at an appropriate time. We are using the same prompts we developed in grade level PLTs in the 2009-2010 school year:
- 9th -- Expository, Response to Literature
- 10th -- Expository, Persuasive
- 11th -- Expository, Compare/Contrast
- 12th -- Expository, Argument
We will assess in the spring following a grade-level specific expository writing unit. Again, the essays will be produced on-demand, but this second assessment follows direct reading and writing instruction, giving teachers plenty to talk about in their respective PLTs.
Charlene Bowden came to Mayfair the other day and set up a page in Data Director that enables us to enter writing assessment scores directly into DD, using the holistic 6-point rubric we have been using. Finally! The scores will BE somewhere, and we can track and compare, year to year.
Copies of a holistic rubric will be provided at the next PLT and discussed. Scores will be recorded as a single number, 1-6. Since the
primary purpose of this assessment is to inform our writing instruction (and not communication with students), the holistic score is sufficient; the more detailed, 6x6 full-page 6-Trait Scoring Rubric is useful when communicating with students after a multi-draft process essay.
