EDUC 533 Tara Potter & Leona Carr

Problem:  Through classroom observations and communications with other teachers it has become very clear that students often struggle with writing, especially non-fiction or expository writing.  Teachers are also having difficulties in motivating students to write. Solution:  We will develop a unit of writing in a non- traditional genre or form to help motivate students, while still focusing on the writing process and writing skills.

 For the 2009/2010 school year Roosevelt school passed the Washington State Measures of Student Progress (MSP) at a 48% accuracy level.  District wide on the MSP in Spokane Public Schools students passed at a 59.3% level.

 Students will become familiar with a new genre, form, and purpose for writing.  Students will use the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising to improve text, editing text, and publishing text to share with audiences.  Students will write to explain a concept from a content area.

 Training for new materials or technologies that will be utilized.  Training for implementing new ways to write to explain to increase student engagement.

 Funds for software.  Funds for mentor texts.  Preparation time to prepare for the project to be taught.  Teacher attitudes/fears towards the teaching of writing.

Characteristics  The Spokane Public Schools employs 1,758 classroom teachers.  Average years of teacher experience is 13.  74.3% of teachers have a Master’s degree.  Our unit will be used in classrooms at the intermediate level (4 th – 6 th ).

Existing Curriculum  This piece of instruction will be used as a supplement to the existing approach that is already used and can fit into many different models.  For example this supplement can fit into the writing workshop.  This unit will align with Washington state standards (EALRs and GLEs)

Available hardware & software  Some classrooms have computers, schools have computer labs  Scanners  Most classrooms have document cameras  Some classrooms have Smart Boards  Internet access  Word processor, PowerPoint, etc. for publishing

Facilities  Public elementary schools  4 th – 6 th grade classrooms, with approx students Philosophy & Taboos of a Larger Community  Many parents and other members of the community may not understand the importance or using non-traditional formats of writing in the classroom.

Spokane Public Schools  Intermediate learners vary in terms of ability, gender, SES, language, special needs, family support, etc. Roosevelt Elementary School Students  Approximate student population is 485.  58.6% receive free & reduced lunch.  K-6 school  Title I school.

Washington states office of the superintendent of public instruction. Retrieved April 13,