Better Writers

Statement of Purpose I am investigating techniques used in teaching writing skills as it relates to variations among teachers so that I may better understand how the continuity of skills and techniques being taught effects student performance and work to improve the community of writers.

 All students that are utilizing writing skills  All teachers that teach and utilize writing skills in their classroom  Principals  Parents

 Writing skills are an area that is need of improvement according to our school’s NJASK test results  Writing program being used is incorporated from reading program  Teachers supplement most of their writing materials for instruction

Teachers in grades K-4 were asked to complete a short 5 question survey: 1. What do you think are the best aspects of the current writing program? 2. What supplemental materials do you use to teach writing skills? 3. How often do you complete a writing task that follows the complete writing process? (planning, drafting, revising, editing and publishing) 4. How often do your students write in journals? 5. What part of writing do you think your students need the most improvement in?

 Teachers couldn’t identify with a writing program; described as “useless” and “random”.  Teachers use a wide variety of supplemental materials to teach writing.  Many teachers do not complete tasks using all the steps to the writing process as often as they should. Expressed that the entire process is very time consuming.  Journal writing varies from daily to weekly writing.  Need for improvement was seen in many areas, but most often sentence structure and organizing of ideas.

The skills that students obtain in the area of writing vary greatly from teacher to teacher due to the lack of a proper writing program. A foundation of writing must but formed in the early stages of writing. As students grow and learn, their writing skills can build upon what they have already learned. This needs to be consistent among teachers in the same grades as well as levels that follow.

 Form a committee to do research effective writing programs that will fit the needs of our students  Share the same supplemental materials for teaching writing.  Use similar techniques to build continuity across all grade levels.

 Research effective writing programs  Choose a formal writing program that fits the needs of our students  Train teachers to use the program effectively  Build consistency and continuity to create a community of better writers

Task Date Complete Purpose: Students are taught writing skills that may differ greatly from teacher to teacher and grade level to grade level. 6/11/12 Stakeholders: All students that are utilizing writing skills and all teachers that teach and utilize writing skills in their classrooms. Principals want to see stronger writers as well as parents for the best interest of their children. 6/11/12 Relevant Facts: There is no formal writing program being used. Teachers choose their own supplement materials to teach writing skills and techniques. 6/11/12 Data Collection Method: Teachers from grades K-4 were asked to complete a short 5 question survey 6/11/2012 Data Analysis Plan: Teacher responses were tabulated and categorized by similar responses. 6/12/12 Strengths: Teachers were able to complete the responses in a short period of time. 6/12/12 Weaknesses: Some responses were vague. Some response needed more explanation to fully understand the response. 6/12/12 Short-term Goals: Share the same supplemental materials for teaching writing. Use similar techniques to build continuity of writing skills across all grade levels. 6/12/12 Long-term Goals: Implement a formal writing program that will allow all teachers in the school to teach writing skills that have continuity from one grade level to the next. 6/12/12 Action Plan: Request that all teachers in the school express their concern for the current writing program, or lack of one. Bring concerns to the Director of Curriculum, share researched writing programs. 6/13/12 Resources: /13/12 Summary: All responses from teacher surveys will be shared with the Director of Curriculum. The information gathered revealed the need for a formal writing program to create learners that have a continuous and structured way of learning. 6/13/12

Feedback Questions: (Please Circle One) Strongly Disagree NeutralAgree Strongly Agree Presentation addressed a need for the school Issue is relevant to the stakeholders named Short term goals are attainable Long term goals are attainable Information from needs assessment was made clear and concise Presentation shows interest and enthusiasm for helping students Additional Comments and Concerns: