Writing Policy for SBDM Councils

Goals of this Session provide an overview of Senate Bill 1 requirements related to writing provide guidance in reviewing the existing writing program and developing a writing plan guide school councils in revising or developing a school writing policy

SB 1 states, “Each school-based decision making council or if there is no school council, a committee appointed by the principal, shall adopt policies that determine the writing program for its school.” SBDM Requirements Related to Writing

“Each local district shall do an annual program review and the Department of Education shall conduct a program review of every school’s program within a two year period.” District Requirements

Writing, as defined by SB1, 2009 “Writing means a purposeful act of thinking and expression that uses language to explore ideas and communicate meaning to others. Writing is a complex, multifaceted act of communication.”

Expanded Definition of Writing Writing communication is not limited to writing on paper. It can be developed through digital text. multi-media presentations. speeches. voice recordings. on-line communications. other mediums.

What’s the difference between a writing program, policy, and plan?

Writing Program Writing program Writing policy Writing plan Each SBDM council shall determine the writing program for its school. Components of a program: instructional practices aligned & enacted curriculum formative & summative assessments professional development & support services administrative support & monitoring

Writing Plan Writing program Writing Policy plan Writing plan Describes the actions to be taken to implement the school’s writing program.

Writing Policy Writing program Writing Policy Writing plan Each SBDM council shall adopt policies that determine the writing program for its school. Writing Policy -The rules and guidelines adopted to oversee the development and on-going implementation of the school’s writing program.

multiple opportunities for students to develop complex communication skills for a variety of purposes access to and use of technology tools access to and use of language resources SB1 Requirements of a Writing Program

procedures for developing and monitoring portfolios feedback to students regarding writing and communication skills SB1 Requirements of a Writing Program (continued)

“Writing portfolios, consisting of samples of individual student work that represent the interests and growth of the student over time, shall be a required part of any writing program in primary through grade twelve.” Portfolios, Per SB1, 2009

Portfolios are one piece of a writing program

Portfolios are part of the required criteria for the program review and audit process. A writing portfolio shall be maintained for each student and follow each student from grade to grade and to any school. Portfolios, Per SB1, 2009

A school’s policy for the writing program shall address the USE of the portfolio: for determining student’s performance in communication grading procedures and feedback to students regarding their writing & communication skills the responsibility for review of the portfolios and feedback to students other policies to improve the quality of an individual student’s writing & communication skills

Schools have flexibility in collections of student work, but the collections should reflect student interests and growth over time. meet the needs of the school, and meet grade level expectations (align with the Kentucky Core Academic Standards, KCAS). Collections of Student Work Options for Schools

Student collections should include evidence of writing process. communications from across content areas. variety of forms and purposes. communications that students can share beyond the classroom. three types of writing. Collections of Student Work Options (continued)

Monitoring the Writing and Communication Program As councils monitor implementation, consider multiple forms of evidence in addition to student collections, such as: classroom observation data student access to real-world communication discussions from professional learning communities other evidence

Getting Started

Best Practice recommendation: SBDM appoints a committee to develop the school’s writing program & policy Suggested Committee Representation literacy lead teacher council member parent council member assistant Principal of curriculum/instruction additional teachers additional parents classified staff community members students (at secondary level)

Review your school’s writing & communication program

Use Available Resources

Provides one way for a “big picture” look at your school’s writing program. Writing Planning Guidance - Developing a Schoolwide Writing Plan

Process for Developing a Writing Plan and Policy A Closer Look This resource provides guidance in looking at what is happening specifically in a school and guides a team in decision-making for next steps.

ABC Middle School

Sample Policy Revision ABC Middle School Sample Writing Policy

Next Steps Form your literacy team. Reflect on current programs. Have discussions on school needs. Decide what should be included in your school writing policy. 29

Resources for Looking Ahead

KDE’s Program Review Support Page Writing Program Review draft for schools to use to review their writing program supporting resources to guide schools through the review process where you’ll find... Program Reviews

Literacy PERKS This website contains resources that guide schools in evaluating their schoolwide literacy program and in developing a plan for improvement. Literacy PERKS

Contact us Cindy Parker—Language Arts Branch Manager Writing Consultants