assessment · equity · feedback · formative assessment · inquiry · Reflective Practice

Let’s Get Curious! Using Appreciative Inquiry in the Writing Classroom

Students are our north stars. When we get to know students (academically and beyond), we can more clearly see and honor who they are and what they know. Appreciative inquiry enables us to capitalize on the abundant assets already present.

collaboration · formative assessment · small group

Mastering the Art of Thin-Slicing

Relying on Malcom Gladwell's work in Blink, Thin-Slicing allows you to look at student work quickly to identify trends and create groups, targeting specific skills to push each writer forward.

agency · authentic assessment · choice · formative assessment · Joy · student engagement · writing process · writing workshop

(Re-)Launching our Writing Workshops With Joy in January

As I think about returning to school, I want to be excited about the week to come. I want students to feel happy to be back together. Writing workshop is my favorite part of the day, and it’s the perfect place to infuse some intentional joy for all of us. I have a two part plan to do just that.

formative assessment · writing workshop

Targeting Instruction to Meet Writing Challenges

Just as hoses tend to kink, so do the writing processes of students, leaving teachers to figure out where those kinks are and what the effective twist will be in order to get those students writing. 

assessment · authentic assessment · data · feedback · formative assessment · giveaway · goals · growth mindset · high school · middle school · monitoring student learning · peer conferring · personalization · reading-writing connections · record keeping · Reflective Practice · Sarah M. Zerwin · self-assessment · standards · student engagement · Student ownership · writing workshop

Point-Less by Sarah M. Zerwin: A Review and Giveaway

Sarah Zerwin is workshop to her core, and she has found ways to ensure that her assessment practices are not sending conflicting messages to kids. Point-Less will challenge readers to reflect and inspire them to advocate for change.

assessment · authentic assessment · formative assessment · management · on-demand piece · self-assessment

Tips for Analyzing and Scoring a Ton of Writing

Time is precious, and your mental energy even more so. Why waste either when others before you have learned through trial and error? Avoid common missteps by reading these simple tips.

classroom environment · conferring · DIY Literacy · environment · formative assessment · Kate Roberts · mentor texts · middle school · plan · Reflective Practice

End of Year Reflections and June Planning

As we approach the end of another school year, many of us begin making plans for outgrowing ourselves. But what might be some lenses to think through when taking on such a task? I have a few ideas . . .

assessment · conferring · feedback · formative assessment · writing workshop

A Closer Look: Learning About Our Writers with Formative Assessment

Sound assessment plays a vital role in showing and in detailing progress students are making toward reasonable goals.