Committee Name:  Writing

Purpose: 

1.        Plan ways to improve writing instruction, especially at the 4^th grade level;

2.        Explore more efficient ways of completing and scoring writing portfolios;

3.        Integrate open-response and on-demand questions into the curriculum.

Date of Meeting:  October 5, 2004

Starting Time:  3:00 PM

Ending Time:  3:45 PM

Submitted by:  Lynda Davis

Members Present:  Lynda Davis, DeAnna Johnson, Mary Jane Kinman, Julie Pearman, and Marilyn Melton

Agenda: Writing Portfolio Pieces:

·         Reflective Writing (connection to Letter to the Reviewer)

·         Transactive Writing (“How-to-Piece”)

·         Literary Writing (Poetry)

·         Staff Update on Writing

Discussion on each item: 

Reflective Writing—Lynda Davis presented a lesson on “Ongoing  Reflection”.  Handouts were distributed, discussion of items, with particular attention to daily use of vocabulary, and oral and written     reflections (evaluations) of daily activities.

Goal:  Letters to the Reviewer (last Portfolio Piece to be written) will have more elements of proficiency.     

Transactive Writing—Discussion of incorporating writing of “How-to-Pieces” in our daily classroom activities.  Lynda Davis will speak to Ms. Fisher (Art teacher); requesting her assistance when students create an art piece.

Literary Writing—students have or will have lessons with Dayna Lykins and Amy Ford on “poetry writing”.  Classroom teachers will follow up  in class, in order to produce poems for each student.

Action taken on each item: 

Teachers agreed to incorporate items on the agenda into their lesson plans.  At the next 4^th grade meeting, teachers will share what has been accomplished, any concerns, etc.

Request to Mr. McCaw for Lynda Davis to be put on the Agenda for the next Staff Meeting to discuss Writing (Reflective Writing in particular).

(Note to Council:  Mrs. Davis did present at our last faculty meeting.)