Teacher Friendly Data Driven Proven Results. by Barbara Mariconda & Dea Paoletta Auray

Transcription

1 Teacher Friendly Data Driven Proven Results by Barbara Mariconda & Dea Paoletta Auray

2 2 Building Portfolios: Models of Good Writing

3 Portfolio Assessment: A Vehicle for Writing Instruction Benefits of Portfolio Assessment Without a doubt, looking at a selection of writing samples from students over time can be an authentic and powerful way to assess the scope and breadth of what young authors have learned, applied, and mastered. Providing students with a variety of writing tasks in a number of genres and across all areas of the curriculum helps assimilate writing into all aspects of learning. Challenges and Pitfalls of Portfolio Assessment: This is not to say that there are not inherent challenges related to this form of assessment. It is critically important that high quality writing instruction takes place on an ongoing basis in order to provide students with the concepts and skills to apply to each writing task. It is tempting to use the portfolio pieces themselves as the core of writing instruction making the ends the means, so to speak. The danger in this is that the skills necessary for powerful writing will be approached on an as needed basis according to the demands of the particular writing task. Since not all of the tasks and assignments require all of the skills strong writers need, using these tasks as the sole basis for instruction will leave critical gaps in the overall development of a well-rounded writer. How Empowering Writers can Help Empowering Writers continues to stress the importance of introducing students to discrete, genrerelated skills through our proven, research-based methodology that involves literature/published examples as a starting point, teacher modeling, guided practice, and application. Our comprehensive guides provide the powerful lessons with clearly stated objectives necessary for success in the kinds of writing tasks required in all content areas. This ongoing instruction is the foundation on which all good writing is built. What You will Find in this Book When approaching a particular writing task it s helpful for students to read and analyze examples of responses that work, that demonstrate the application of all relevant skills in powerful ways. It is equally helpful to teachers! This book provides exemplars of each of the kinds of pieces that are appropriate for portfolio assessment. In addition, each powerful exemplar is analyzed and annotated to help set expectations for each task. (continued) 2009 Empowering Writers, LLC 3

4 Practically speaking, here s what s provided: 4 Powerful examples of each suggested writing task across the curriculum both clean copies and annotated versions for class analysis 4 Guiding questions that accompany each exemplar as tools for raising student awareness about skills in application 4 Cross reference of lessons from EW resources that address the skills necessary for each writing task. 4 A collection of alternate portfolio appropriate prompts/assignments that tap into the same writing purpose, skills, tasks. How to Use this Book _This book is intended to be used alongside our scope and sequence of instruction, available online at This empowers you to teach the range of skills appropriate to your grade level. When the scope and sequence calls for a process piece (meaning a piece of writing revisited over time in order to apply all skills taught and to engage in the editing and revising process in knowledgeable ways) select one of these portfolio assignments. Use the exemplar as an example of the kind of powerful writing you re looking for. Teacher preparation pages are indicated by the apple icon ( ). Student reproducible pages are indicated by the pencil icon ( ). Here s the simple process: 1) Share the particular prompt/assignment with the class and discuss it ask: What s the genre and purpose?_ What skills will the author need? 2) Photocopy and distribute the clea n copy of the corresponding exemplar. Explain that you will discuss _and annotate the piece together as a class. Read it aloud first, beginning to end. Then, use the _annotated version and guiding questions to lead your discussion. 3) Use whiteboard technology (or an overhead) to project the clean copy. Mark in all annotation and ask _students to do the same with their hard copy. This multi-sensory approach helps to crystallize their _awareness and understanding. 4) Have students complete the guiding questions and tasks on their own. 5) Refer to the reference section to access a multitude of lessons that will help you introduce, review, and/ _or reinforce the requisite skills called for. 6) Follow the process writing timeline found in each of our Comprehensive Guides in order to move students through the writing process in an informed, timely way. 7) Utilize the guiding questions that accompany the exemplars as a tool to help students assess the organization and quality of their process pieces that correspond to that particular content area. _In this way your students will not only perform well on their portfolio assessments they will develop into skillful, confident, well-rounded writers capable of addressing a variety of writing tasks. _To become an empowered teacher of writing in all genres, attend an EW workshop. For more information on all aspects of writing instruction go to: 4 Building Portfolios: Models of Good Writing

5 pt m o r P o i l o f Port t Area n e t n o C s c ti Mathema Exemplar W E The New Puppy You just got a new puppy. The puppy needs a pen in the backyard. Your puppy s veterinarian, Dr. Todd, said that 24 square feet would be the perfect area for the puppy s pen. Dr. Todd suggested using the smallest amount of fence to go around the pen because the fencing is expensive. What should be the length and width of the puppy s pen? I V Remember: The pen must be in the shape of a rectangle. E R The pen must be 24 square feet. T he length and width of the pen must be represented as whole numbers. Your Task: Using the information above, write a letter to your puppy s veterinarian, Dr. Todd. Your letter should include: P A thank you for all of his help with your new puppy, H ow you used area and perimeter to find the length and width of the pen (drawings may be included to show what you did), W hy the pen you are choosing is the best for your new puppy (and uses the smallest amount of fencing), and A drawing of your puppy s pen with the length and width labeled. Your letter should not be longer than two pages. (Hint : While the assignment asks you to compose a letter, keep in mind that the body of the letter should be in the form of an expository report, providing information and explanation.) 2009 Empowering Writers, LLC 5

6 Dr. Todd Letter (Student Copy) Dear Dr. Todd, Thank you for the care, concern, and expertise you shared in helping me plan for my new puppy, Bandit. Of course, I want Bandit to be happy and healthy. Outdoor time for play and exercise is important. That s why I m eager to begin building a pen for Bandit in the backyard. This will prevent him from running into the road or getting lost. It will also prevent him from tearing up my Mom s flower garden or digging holes in Dad s perfect lawn! You mentioned that based on Bandit s size and age that his pen should be 24 square feet and rectangular in shape. You also explained that sturdy, high quality fencing material is expensive, so careful planning is essential. It makes sense to use the least amount of fencing that we can. I d like to share my plan with you for your approval. I ve decided to build a pen that is 4 x 6 feet. The other options I considered were the following: a 3 x 8 foot pen or a 2 x 12 foot pen. (Notice that each plan was based on multiples of 24.) I used graph paper to sketch these designs, with each box of the graph representing 1 square foot. I immediately noticed that the 2 x 12 design was inferior for two reasons. First, the space would be too narrow for Bandit to run and play comfortably. Additionally, when measuring the perimeter of the 2 x 12 pen, I noticed (by counting the spaces around the outer edge) that the perimeter measured 28 linear feet. This would require the most fencing of the three designs. The 3 x 8 foot design looked more promising. Bandit would have a 3 foot width (a yard) and a long 8 foot length run. However, when I examined the graph paper sketch of this design the perimeter measured 22 linear feet. This still would amount to spending quite a lot on fencing. Finally I tested my last design a 4 x 6 foot pen. I liked this plan the best because not only would it provide an adequate space for play, but the perimeter measured 20 linear feet. This would require less fencing than both of the alternate designs. So, for example, if the fencing cost $10 per linear foot, here s what each design would cost: A.) 2 x 12 pen, 28 linear feet = $ B.) 3 x 8 pen, 22 linear feet = $ C.) 4 x 6 pen, 20 linear feet = $ Therefore, plan C will provide the best shape pen for Bandit and will save $80 over the plan A design, and $20 over the plan B design. I hope you ll agree that my plan meets your criteria for what is best for Bandit! When I ve completed it I ll be sure to take a photo and it to you. I ll also send you 4 x 6 = 24 s.f. and 20 linear feet the diagram I used to plan this. Perhaps you could share this with other puppy owners. Again, thank you for helping me keep my new furry friend healthy, happy, and safe! Yours Truly, Dedrick Little 6 Building Portfolios: Models of Good Writing

7 Dr. Todd Letter (Annotated Version) Dear Dr. Todd, Thank you for the care, concern, and expertise you shared in helping me plan for my new puppy, Bandit. Of course, I want Bandit to be happy and healthy. Outdoor time for play and exercise is important. That s why I m eager to begin building a pen for Bandit in the backyard. This will prevent him from running into the road or getting lost. It will also prevent him from tearing up my Mom s flower garden or digging holes in Dad s perfect lawn! You mentioned that based on Bandit s size and age that his pen should be 24 square feet and rectangular in shape. You also explained that sturdy, high quality fencing material is expensive, so careful planning is essential. It makes sense to use the least amount of fencing that we can. I d like to share my plan with you for your approval. I ve decided to build a pen that is 4 x 6 feet. The other options I considered were the following: a 3 x 8 foot pen or a 2 x 12 foot pen. (Notice that each plan was based on multiples of 24.) I used graph paper to sketch these designs, with each box of the graph representing 1 square foot. I immediately noticed that the 2 x 12 design was inferior for two reasons. First, the space would be too narrow for Bandit to run and play comfortably. Additionally, when measuring the perimeter of the 2 x 12 pen, I noticed (by counting the spaces around the outer edge) that the perimeter measured 28 linear feet. This would require the most fencing of the three designs. The 3 x 8 foot design looked more promising. Bandit would have a 3 foot width (a yard) and a long 8 foot length run. However, when I examined the graph paper sketch of this design the perimeter measured 22 linear feet. This still would amount to spending quite a lot on fencing. Finally I tested my last design a 4 x 6 foot pen. I liked this plan the best because not only would it provide an adequate space for play, but the perimeter measured 20 linear feet. This would require less fencing than both of the alternate designs. So, for example, if the fencing cost $10 per linear foot, here s what each design would cost: A.) 2 x 12 pen, 28 linear feet = $ B.) 3 x 8 pen, 22 linear feet = $ C.) 4 x 6 pen, 20 linear feet = $ Therefore, plan C will provide the best shape pen for Bandit and will save $80 over the plan A design, and $20 over the plan B design. I hope you ll agree that my plan meets your criteria for what is best for Bandit! When I ve completed it I ll be sure to take a photo and it to you. I ll also send you the diagram I used to plan this. Perhaps you could share this with other puppy owners. Again, thank you for helping me keep my new furry friend healthy, happy, and safe! Yours Truly, Dedrick Little size and shape plan options 2x12 plan 3x8 plan testing plan ^options area/perimeter area/perimeter area/perimeter 4 x 6 = 24 s.f. and 20 linear feet 2009 Empowering Writers, LLC 7

8 ? Guiding QUESTIONS for ANALYSIS Dr. Todd Letter the Puppy Pen 1.) Number each paragraph. Circle the introduction paragraph and box the conclusion. What is the TOPIC of _this piece? 2.) Star * the greeting of the letter. Draw a triangle around the closing of the letter. 3.) Do you think the body of this letter is a narrative or expository piece of writing and why? 4.) Draw brackets around the BODY of the letter. Underline the MAIN IDEA SENTENCE in each paragraph. Write a word or short phrase (blurb) in the margin beside each paragraph that explains what the entire paragraph is about. 5.) The prompt asked the author to explain how he used area and perimeter to find the length and width of the pen. Underline the author s explanation in blue. 6.) If you wanted to include the following detail, in which paragraph would it belong: As Bandit grows, this three foot width will be too narrow. 7.) In which paragraph would this detail belong: _In fact, I ll take a photograph of Bandit inside his new pen! 8.) If you wanted to read about the drawbacks of the 2 x 12 foot plan, which paragraph would you re-read? 9.) If you wanted to write the closing in a different way, how might you write it? 10.) How would you figure out this problem without graph paper? 11.) Summarize the body of this letter using the following framework: This piece gives information about. It discusses and describes. It also gives information about and. 8 Building Portfolios: Models of Good Writing

9 For Mathematics Content Area Portfolio Assignments In order for students to approach this type of writing task they need direct instruction in a number of discrete skills. The following list of lessons provides you with scores of lessons in each skill area. Use your professional discretion to select the lessons best suited to the unique needs of your students. Related Skills and Instruction in the Comprehensive Expository Writing Guide Organization and Genre p Generating Broad yet Distinct Main Ideas... p Elaboration Detail Generating Questions p Writing Effective Introductions... p Crafting Effective Conclusions... p Handling a Processed Piece p Empowering Writers, LLC 9

10 Tips: 3Teaching Tips and Troubleshooting The New Puppy Keep in Mind This assignment is essentially expository in nature, with characteristics of the how-to. This kind of piece can be difficult to write in an interesting, engaging way. It is tempting to simply list steps or possible approaches in the problem-solving thought process, separated by redundant transitions such as: after that, or and then. Organizing the piece into paragraphs based on broad yet distinct main ideas will help the author avoid a strictly linear approach. (See the annotated version as an example of this.) 1) Use the following summarizing framework/graphic organizer as a tool for planning this piece: TOPIC: The New Puppy Pen Main Idea #1: Main Idea #2: Main Idea #3: Main Idea #4: etc. 2) Ask students to think about the best way to show their work a diagram, illustration, bullet points, etc. 3) Encourage them to explain solutions that didn t work as well as the solution that did work, and explain why. Enrichment Opportunities: 1) Make available a variety of math manipulatives for students to experiment with to help solve the problem. 2) Narrative writing connection have students draw or find and cut out a picture of their dream puppy. _Then, write a paragraph of elaborative detail describing the puppy. 3) Use the computer to create bar graphs to compare the cost of fencing for each possible design. 4) Have students create similar mathematical word problems, exchange them, and ask them to write about _how they d solve the problem. 10 Building Portfolios: Models of Good Writing

11 Related Prompts Content Area Mathematics A prompt is designed as a jumping off point for writing as an opportunity for students to apply the skills they ve learned. Here are some alternate similar prompts for possible use with your students. These are designed to call upon the same skill set as the exemplar provided. You may assign one of these to the entire class or allow students to select one that interests them most. Again note that the word story and piece are used interchangeably. 1.) Favorite Recipe _You have a favorite recipe for brownies that makes a quantity of 12. You have 15 friends coming for a party and would like to make just enough so that you and your guests each get one brownie. Here s the ingredients from the recipe: 2 ¼ cups of flour ½ cup cocoa powder 1 tspn baking powder 3 cups sugar 1 cup butter 1 tbspn vanilla 6 eggs 2 cups chocolate chips Remember: _ the above ingredients will make 12 brownies. _ you want to make exactly enough brownies for you and your guests Your Task: Write a piece describing your task, including information about your guest list and total _number of brownies you ll need. Modify the ingredient list to show the proper amounts of each _ingredient to make the correct number of brownies for your party. Be sure to explain how you _calculated these adjustments. _Your piece should be no longer than 2 pages. 2.) Saving for a Special Purchase Everyone has something they d love to buy. It might be an ipod, a dirt bike, or a video game system. It might be a pair of skis, or a special outfit. Find out the cost of your special purchase. Imagine that you receive a weekly allowance of $10.00 and earn another $20.00 per month doing extra chores. You will be calculating a savings plan in order to buy your special item. Remember: You earn $10/week allowance You earn $20/month for extra work You have daily and weekly expenses You know the cost of your special purchase Your Task: Write an analysis report that: _ Describes what you want to buy, why you want it, and what it costs _ Analyzes how much money you earn and your regular expenses _ Uses a chart to show when you will be able to afford your special item _ Explains how you calculated this _Your piece should not be longer than two pages Empowering Writers, LLC 11