mena common core conference 2015 presenter: d. nickie manja

MENA Common Core Conference 2015

Presenter: D. Nickie Manjadnickiemanja@gmail.com

CCSS Writing Standar

dsMiddle School Writing

6+1 Traits

What we’re going to do today:

• Find out what we know already know –about 6+1 Traits–about Common Core Writing Standards

• Write & assess our writing• Assess exemplars of student writing–based on 6+1 Traits–based on Common Core Writing Standards

• Bridge the two assessment systems to create our own rubrics

What we’re going to learn today:

• How to bridge the 6+1 Traits and

Common Core ELA Writing

Standards

KWL TIME:

You need up to 6 Post-It Notes:

1 Thing I know about 6+1 Traits

1 Thing I want to

know about 6+1 Traits

1 Thing I know about

CCSS ELA Writing

1 Thing I want to

know about

CCSS ELA Writing

1 Thing I know about

bridging the two

1 Thing I want to

know about

bridging the two

Let’s write!

6+1 Traits

Definitions of

Traits:

• Ideas– The main message, the content, the main theme, together with supporting details

that enrich and develop that message– Assessing: message is clear, details are interesting or important

• Organization– The internal structure, the thread of central meaning, the pattern or sequence– Assessing: piece begins meaningfully, writer creates a sense of anticipation,

connections are strong, ends with a resolution

• Voice– The writer comes through the words, you sense the writer’s presence in the writing– Assessing: the writer is personally engaged with the writing and imparts a personal

tone and flavor that is his/hers alone

• Word Choice– The use of rich, colorful, precise language that moves and enlightens the reader– Assessing: strong word choice reflects a purposeful choosing of similes, metaphors, or

other figures of speech; it shows a skill in using everyday words well

Definitions of

Traits:

• Sentence Fluency– The rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of word patterns, the way in which

the writing plays to the ear– Assessing: how does the piece of writing sound when read aloud; fluent writing has

cadence, power, rhythm, and movement

• Conventions– Mechanical correctness of the piece, includes 5 elements: spelling, punctuation,

capitalization, grammar/usage, and paragraphing– Assessing: this area is strongly based on grade level, as older students are expected

to have increasingly stronger control of the mechanics, only those areas which have taught should be graded

• Presentation– Combines both textual and visual elements– Assessing: use of white space, textual and visual pieces, graphics, neatness, visual

presentation, font selection, hand writing, borders, overall appearance. Is this piece polished and ready for publication?

Assess: Using 6+1 Traits:

Using the Traits Rubric handed out, go over your story and score it. You may either work alone, or you could choose to work with a partner and go over each other’s together. Look at your writing in light of how you would view that of a student.

Discussion: First time working with 6+1 Traits – how was it? What potential does this system have for teaching the process of writing to students? How can it be used to improve student writing?

Using 6+1 Traits

Matching Standards to Traits

• Take the slips of paper with the Common Core Standards• Post it on the flip chart where you feel it matches best.

Comparing Rubrics

• In pairs or groups of three:–Read the exemplar provided.–Use either the Common Core Rubric

or the Traits Rubric provided to assess the writing.

• In groups of 4-5:–Compare how you scored the same

piece of writing–What are the differences /

similarities?–Can you reconcile the two & in doing

so, create a rubric that covers both?

Thank you for attending!

dnickiemanja@gmail.com