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Writing Professional Development
6-Trait Instruction and Assessment
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Write Traits® workshops introduce proven assessment and instructional strategies using the 6-traits—the key characteristics of good writing:
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Idea Development
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Word Choice |
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Organization
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Sentence Fluency |
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Voice
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Conventions |
 eveloped by master teacher and author Vicki Spandel, Write Traits workshops are designed to support teachers who are new to the traits as well as those with more experience. Write Traits workshops are based on the 6-trait writing instruction and assessment model developed by Beaverton, Oregon teachers in 1984. Today, the 6-trait model is widely used for state writing standards nationwide.
Write Traits workshops are offered as open enrollment workshops in various locations around the country and as on-site workshops that can be held at your school or district.
Research
Teacher quality is one of the most important factors influencing student achievement and it can be improved by education, certification, and professional development (Darling-Hammond, 2000). “The art of teaching is the art of continuing to learn. Teachers are the most important learners in the classroom” (Graves, 1994). Despite the evidence that teaching strategies and teacher knowledge have a direct impact on what students learn, “a surprising number of teachers have not been fully prepared in the subject areas they teach, an even greater number have not had adequate preparation in teaching strategies and methods” (Darling-Hammond, 1997). In a study funded by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement on teacher quality and student achievement, the findings “suggest that states interested in improving student achievement may be well-advised to attend, at least in part, to the preparation and qualifications of the teachers they hire and retain in the profession. It stands to reason that student learning should be enhanced by the efforts of teachers who are more knowledgeable in their field and are skillful at teaching it to others” (Darling-Hammond, 2000).
The National Commission on Writing in America’s Schools and Colleges recommends “that state and local educational agencies provide comprehensive professional development for all teachers to help improve classroom practice” (National Commission on Writing in America’s Schools and Colleges, 2003). Write Traits workshops provide educators with the skills, practice, and materials they need to teach and assess writing by implementing the six traits writing model in their classroom. Write Traits training is ideal for teachers of all subject areas who want to improve student writing across the curriculum. The writing strategies and assessment guidelines teachers learn during a Write Traits workshop can be applied to their teaching and assessing of writing in all subject areas.
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Great Source Research and Efficacy Reports Available
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Evaluation and Assessment
Write Traits workshops prepare educators to both teach and assess writing using the 6-trait writing model. The workshop addresses both the creative/personal side of writing as well as the informational side. In the Write Traits workshops, participants learn what the traits are, become familiar with trait language, and learn how the traits support writing process-based instruction. In addition, participants discover ways to help students become thoughtful assessors and revisers of their own work.
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Grant applications often ask for detailed narrative on Great Source products. You may be required to include information on a product's scientific background, its efficacy research, assessments, the professional development model, or correlation to core programs and state standards. The content of this page is designed to help you fill this requirement. If more information is required, contact your local Great Source representative.
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