I've seen the writing standards beyond my own grade level's, but admittedly I haven't studied them with much intent. Recently, I read some enlightening points from Calkins about what the standards require of my writers not too many years after they leave my room. It solidified this passionate stance I have about the vertical alignment process and why the whole school has to be on board when it comes to writing instruction.
Calkins makes the point that K-4 writing standards build easily upon one another and really don't stretch the writers too much. That doesn't mean we K-4 teachers are off the hook. When our writers hit 5th grade, it all changes. The standards between grades 5 and 8 are astonishingly steep. There is no feasible way the writers who step into that 5th grade classroom will be able to meet expectations unless each previous grade level does its job and does it well, starting in kindergarten.
I believe that long before Common Core arrived, there's been a great need for writing to be a whole-school priority. Pockets of quality writing instruction interspersed throughout a school or district have never been sufficient. I'm thankful the Common Core has propelled writing instruction to the top of the list for many districts and schools, not simply for individual teachers. Writing deserves this new-found attention.
I couldn't agree more. Years ago I read about the importance of having kids write every day, so that's what we've always done. And often another grade one teacher, who doesn't have her kids write daily, will remark on the great writing my kids do. It's not that I do anything special...it's just that writing is a daily habit.
ReplyDeleteHappy Saturday, Tammy!
Hmm...just reread and I see I've missed the point! Haha!
DeleteBarb, well, writing every day is certainly part of it. :)
DeleteI completely agree!! We've been working hard at my school to make our writing stronger but we still have more to do! We just wrote a framework for our building with the hopes that we will be more vertically aligned. My hope is that with more conversations and holding each other accountable we can make that happen.
ReplyDeleteEm
Em, we're going to start this process this coming year. I'm looking forward to seeing the growth in teachers and students.
DeleteAs usual, you are so right! Writing instruction can not be haphazard, worksheet driven, etc...for students to build and strengthen their writing skills. Especially as they get older. I like how it all builds upon each skill, developing over time and this is so much easier if started at the youngest grades.
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, I like how you used the word "haphazard." That's a great way of putting it. Our older writers won't rise to the occasion if writing instruction is haphazard.
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