Ideas & Innovations
from the DISD Curriculum & Instruction Department Mar 2017
Writing - A Powerful Tool for Learning in DISD
Why We Must Write
- What to increase rigor? - ask your students to write!
- Want to use research-based formative assessments to gauge student learning? - ask your students to write!
- Want to see precise, individual levels of understanding new concepts and skills? - ask your students to write!
- Want to ensure your students are ready for today, tomorrow, next year and even college courses or a career? - ask your students to write!
- Want to help students succeed on state assessments? ask your students to write!
- Want to ensure the future generations can communicate effectively and eloquently, regardless of the topic or situation? ask your students to write!
As effective educators, we all should ask our students to engage in opportunities to write - to explore new ideas and concepts by writing their thoughts and connections; to find solutions and resolutions to issues that are complex and confusing; to express unique ideas or perceptions while also recognizing common experiences and connections.
This month, the C&I staff encourages you to push your comfort zone, and that of your students, by incorporating more writing opportunities in your classes. Writing to learn in each class is essential to significantly impacting the academic growth and success of our students.
So, sharpen your pencils, pick out your favorite pen, and model the writing as you set writing expectations for your students. Follow the "I do, we do, you do" approach when adding new writing activities or assignments - teacher modeling of writing strengthens student understanding and increases student success. Show them how, then step back and let your students amaze you with the thoughts, connections and ideas they put down on paper!
Writing Across DISD - Amazing Student Samples
Social Studies at SFA
Language Arts at Richter
Social Studies at WWJH
Math at Kimmie Brown
Learning to Write at Colbert
Math at SFA
Science at WWJH
Social Studies at Richter
Science at Kimmie Brown
Science at DHS
Daily Journal at Nottingham
CTE Elective at DHS
Writing to Learn Activities
Additional Resources for Writing
Blog Entries and Articles
Writing Across the Curriculum: What, How and Why
4 Tips for Writing in the Math ClassroomThe Best Resources for Writing in Social Studies Classrooms
Low-Stakes Writing Assignments
Who to Follow on Twitter for Writing Ideas & Suggestions
Alex Corbitt @Alex_Corbitt
Nancy Steineke @nsteineke
Jeff Anderson @writeguyjeff
Kelly Gallagher @KellyGToGo
Penny Kittle @pennykittle