K-12 Vertical Writing Team Minutes

January 24, 2012 Committee Members: Christy Drumm, Katie Hughes, Melissa Koenig, Heather Kortlandt, Chris Strayer, Kristin VanWyk , Kim Winchel and Beth Zartman Purpose The purpose of the day was to determine what an ideal writing program would look like, what our current program looks like, what is contained in the common core and where do we need to go from here. A representative was chosen from each building including two from the middle school the department chair and the writing enrichment teacher. Ideal Writing Program To begin the day, committee members broke into two groups to determine what an ideal writing program included. Posters were made to display the message. Current Programs Presentations were given from each level to inform the group of what current writing sources were used and what current expectations are. The group not presenting created a poster based on the information that they learned. Elementary is utilizing a program called Write Steps. It is a K-5 program and is aligned with the new common core standards. Each grade level has the same rubric that is based on the 6 + 1 Traits. Each grade level spends at least 30-45 minutes daily on writing instruction. The middle school has created a Bulldog Express that includes an introduction, three paragraphs, transitions, three supporting details per paragraph and a conclusion. The train transfer added to every classroom at OMS along with their SLAMS poster. In addition, they have developed a 12 week writing enrichment class for every 6th grader this year. This class is based on Ruth Culhams book, The 6 + 1 Traits of Writing and the focus is on how to write a solid paragraph. They are in the process of creating a curriculum map in their PLC group. The high school utilizes the ACT rubric and works on the writing process/structure and writing across the curriculum. They use on demand assessments, common rubrics and prompts. The students also have a self-assessment for a written plan of revisions. There is a lot of focus on data and instruction is centered around it. Rewiring the Brain Sue Raven also visited the group to share how Rewiring the Brain fits into our ELA program and the new Common Core standards.

Commonalities Each member was asked to pick one item from each level that they would like to see become consistent throughout K-12. Those three items were: 6 +1 traits, the Bulldog Express and utilizing common rubrics and common assessments for both formative and summative assessments Gaps and Observations Common language we need to work on - Vocabulary in rubrics from OMS to OHS

(word choice = language, focus, thesis, task, complexity, on demand) 5 paragraphs at elementary, 1 paragraph at OMS, 4 paragraphs at OHS Examples of non-negotiables for each grade level What can/should we do from now until June? Next Steps What can we do before June? Do more (once a month) on demand writing at the elementary level. Unpack the expectations from the prompt underline what are they wanting me to write about? Give students a realistic timeframe to do a task (ex. Brainstorming) Staff familiarize themselves with online version of Write Steps What can/should we do? Next Steps of K-12 Vertical Writing Team Create a grade level non-negotiable list Create Pre-K-12 Curriculum Map Familiarize ourselves with CCSS expectations Staff practice with rubrics (through PLC, grade level, staff meeting, etc.) Collect student samples from Otsego Develop online student Portfolios Work towards common formative and summative assessments (design a district-wide schedule) Next Meeting April 26 8:00-11:30 a.m.