WRITING

Writing

Writing is an active process of creation, discovery, reflection, and reinforcement. Writing in the content areas helps students to learn and construct knowledge: to acquire, synthesize, and analyze information as they make sense of key ideas. Writing is also a key element in representing knowledge.

The following basic tenets guide writing instruction in the content areas:

1.Each discipline has its own conventions of language use and style, and these conventions must be taught to students.

2.Writing tasks should be rooted deeply in meaningful content.

3.Students should have an opportunity to engage in the writing process, which includes planning and revising across multiple drafts.

4.Students should write for authentic audiences and purposes, exercising some choice over their topics, as relevant.

5.Students should be given opportunities to collaborate with others (teacher or peers), incorporate feedback, and reflect upon their work.

6.Students should have a chance to write frequently and regularly.

7.Students should know in advance the criteria that will be used to assess their writing.