Writing- ASCD Educational Leadership

April 2014's Educational Leadership is entitled- Writing: A Core Skill

On page 8 they discuss evidence based practices that are effective in writing.
Researchers from Michigan State University and The University of Connecticut analyzed the new CCSS writing standards to see if they reference the 36 practices to improve writing skills.
The promising practices included in the CCSS are...

1. Providing extra time for writing.
2. Teaching pre-writing, planning, and drafting.
3. Teaching students how to use visual images to enhance creativity in writing.
4. Teaching text structure.
5. Using a word processor as a primary tool for the composition.
6. Teaching transcription skills, such as spelling, handwriting, and keyboarding.

Other practices that were not highlighted in the CCSS include:

1. Free writing.
2. Process writing instruction in which students write for real purposes and audiences, engages in the cycle of planning and reviewing, and taking ownership in their writing.
3. Strategy writing instruction where students are taught strategies for planning, drafting, revising, and editing text.
4. Using assistive technology such as speaking and grammar checks.
5. Instruction on summarizing.
6. Self regulation and metacognative reflection.
7. Using rubrics.

Here are 2 great articles from  this edition of Educational Leadership:

Teaching the Writing Craft       Should We Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late?

Questions to ponder:

How does this new learning affirm what I am doing in writer's workshop?

What are my next steps for improving writing during writer's workshop, integrated units of inquiry and throughout all subjects?  These can be actions in our SLO.