Junior High Writing to Learn

April 25, 2012

Agenda Reflect on student sample writing prompts with

3-2-1 scoring or -, , and + Discuss next steps in the classroom Move student writing from processing to

demonstrating understanding Develop a school wide writing prompt to be

scored collaboratively

Reflection:o Prepare 2 writing prompts with your

content area having a 3 point criteria

o Prompt 1—Practiceo Prompt 2—Bring results and scoring

from one section to our next professional development session

+ –Excellent understanding and appropriate use of all content vocabulary

Clear understanding and appropriate use of most content vocabulary

Some understanding of content and vocabulary, some misconceptions remain

Writing is supported by strong examples

Writing is supported by examples

Message unclear

Criteria for processing

What if… The majority of your students scored a - ? The majority of your students scored a ? The majority of your students scored a +?

What would be your next steps?

Next Steps? - = Reteach the skill to the whole group = Small groups/like skills + = Move on

Plan for Next Steps In your content area, please review the

results you brought today and compare the number of students who earned a -, , or +

Plan your next steps

Purposes for Nonfiction Writing

EngagingStart Here

Processing Demonstrating UnderstandingOnce it’s part of the culture

Purpose: to provide all students with a nonthreatening opportunity to respond.

Students engaged in writing

Purpose: to help students “think” through the end of their pen.

Students grappling with or processing the content

Purpose: to produce a product piece that goes through the writing process.

Students are provided feedback in using a rubric with clearly identified levels of proficiency

Demonstrating Understanding

School Wide Writing Prompt - May 1st

o 7th & 8th grade Iowa Core Writing Standards 1 and 2 (p. 55-56)

o Task: Read Writing Standards 1 and 2, then decide on the type of prompt (argument or informational text) you’d like to give all students at SEPJH

Vote using a Google Form

Vote now on whether you want all students to write an argument or an informational text for the school wide prompt

At this time, please complete Form #1

Criteria for Scoring In Iowa Core (W.1 a-e, W.2 a-f)

Should be presented to students for practice prior to school wide prompt

Build a Google Form Brainstorm for a couple of minutes, with

those around you, a possible writing prompt that we could give to all students on May 1st

Type your prompt into Form #2o Argument

• Junk food should be a choice for school lunch…• Cigarette smokers should be imprisoned…

o Informational Text• A typical day at Southeast Polk Jr. High…• Raising a pet…• How to get good grades…

For ideas, you may Google “Informative prompts” or “Argumentative prompts”

And the winner is… Details will follow …

o What class it will be administered ino Grading Rubrico When collaborative scoring will take placeo This is just to get a taste of what is to come

(not graded this year, for our information, to help us plan for the future)

o Vote now using Form #3

Thank you so much! Enjoy your day!