September 2008 - June 2009

Writing Across the Content

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Thursday, March 19, 2009

ATTENDED BY: Mr. Nikc, Ms. Russell, Mr. Chesler, Ms. Pinero

We discussed variables outside the classroom which are effecting student learning inside the classroom. Ms. Pinero discussed with us the progress of four students she is seeing for guidance: JD, SB, JDLL, & AF. She told us that three out of four students have been re-referred to the clinic.

Ms. Russell shared with the group a sample of her "Writing Tracking Sheet" which keeps track of who is on-task in class. Mr. Chesler shared reports for Black History Month and DBQs completed by the students in Social Studies.

WHAT WE NOTICED FROM THE STUDENT WORK IN SOCIAL STUDIES:
  • Mr. Chesler also had the students use the "oreo cookie method" of using the writing frame where the students were starting at the middle/the content and then adding on a introduction and conclusion at the end. Many students seemed to prefer that way of filling out the frame.
  • Most students were transferring the skills learned in ELA to writing in Social Studies.
  • Students who weren't transferring skills tended to hand in their work late or the work appeared to have been put together in a hurry. One student handed in a partial frame, but didn't complete the assignment. Another student on his DBQ didn't use a writing frame.

CHANGE STRATEGIES:

  • Insist on the use of the writing frame for all extended writing.
  • Use of a "Writing Tracking Sheet" or other type of documentation to attempt to track daily student progress so students don't get too far behind and diagnose problems quickly
  • Continue to conference the guidance councillor, administration, and literacy coach to find methods of helping to differentiate for student needs.

No comments: