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: Feb. 22, 2005

Starting Time: 2:45 PM

Ending Time: 3:45 PM

Submitted by: Lynda Davis

Members Present: Lynda Davis, Andrea Guise, DeAnna Johnson, Mary Jane Kinman, Marilyn Melton, Julie Pearman, Bill Gatliff, and Dana Rose

Agenda: 1.  Writing Portfolio Development

2.  Open Response Questions

3.  On-Demand Writing

Discussion on each item:

1.  Writing Portfolio Development

A.      Teachers discussed the development/status of student writing pieces       for portfolios.  Fourth grade teachers have set a goal of having portfolios completed by March 31, 2005.  This allows adequate time for last-minute completion/organization/checking of portfolios.  (In the past, student illness, etc. has caused undo stress at this time)

B.        Portfolio Review Process:  The following procedures will be implemented on March 7, 2005 to ensure ethical development of writing pieces to be included in 4^th grade writing portfolios:

1.        On a weekly basis, (usually on Day 4, which is 4^th grade meeting day), 4^th grade teachers will review writing pieces of students in classes other than their own.  This will include writing generated/developed outside homeroom class (students with IEP’s who attend Resource or LEP classes)

2.        Teachers will be checking for utilization of the writing process and ethical marking of student papers (“minimal mark method”)

3.        Teachers will record the date/class reviewed on a chart provided by the Cluster Leader.

4.        Cluster Leader will also afford random checks of writing and keep aforementioned documentation for current status of writing pieces and ethical marking of all students’ work.

C.       Writing ESS

Teachers will be meeting with Mr. Gatliff and Mrs. Covington on March 2, 2005 to set up Writing ESS for any 4^th grade students who may choose/require additional time for completion of writing portfolio pieces.  4^th grade teachers will be the teachers at Writing ESS; dates and times to be decided.

D.      Conferencing

Mrs. Melton confirmed conference times with students of Mrs. Pearman and Mrs. Johnson (Mon. and Wed. @ 1:00)

E.       Transport of Portfolios

Discussion of procedure utilized to transport portfolios between schools.

F.       Writing Lab

There is more pressure to type portfolio pieces because of the time constraints of using the Writing and Technology Labs.  Mrs. Ford has been very accommodating with 4^th grade students, allowing them to utilize computers when not in use by other students.

2.   Open-Response Questions

Teachers agreed to focus on ORQ in all curriculum areas, with teacher-modeling and examples provided consistently in class.  Students will follow the format discussed and displayed in classrooms.  They will become familiar with vocabulary particular to this genre.

3.  On-Demand Writing

Teachers will continue to share writing prompts in any curriculum area that lends itself to this genre.  Students will practice On-Demand Writing in class on a consistent basis. They will follow the format discussed and displayed in classrooms.  

Action taken on each item:

Teachers will meet at least twice each week to address writing needs/progress.  4^th Grade teachers will implement Portfolio Review Process, and discuss any changes that need to be made to ensure its success.  (4^th grade meetings held every Day 4, meetings called during planning period, lunch, etc.)

Teachers will share ideas, resources, writing pieces. ORQ’s and On Demand Writing prompts.