PROGRAMS & SERVICES:
CURRICULUM & ASSESSMENT:
LITERACY:
WRITING LOCAL ASSESSMENT SUPPORT MATERIALS
(Updated 1/14/08)

Using Writing and Mathematics Portfolios to Improve Student Learning
Developed by the department's Standards & Assessment division as a companion to an announcement of a change in past writing and mathematics calibration practice, this three-part document details an effort to support schools in their use of writing and mathematics portfolios for both local assessment and instructional purposes. This includes a vision for using portfolios to improve student learning, resources made available by the department, and suggested models for the implementation of the vision in both mathematics and writing.

Writing Benchmarks (Updated 1/14/08)
Writing benchmarks are examples of student writing for each type of writing in the Vermont Framework of Standards. The benchmarks exemplify the descriptors for each score point on the genre-specific rubric. These benchmarks are intended for use with both writing instruction and writing assessment. When scoring pieces of writing, teachers are encouraged to use the benchmarks as their primary guide.

• Writing Conventions Rubrics
  The Writing Conventions Rubrics are detailed lists of which rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics students are responsible for applying at the grade levels included. The lists are consistent with the Writing Grade Expectations for Conventions (W2 and W3) and Structures of Language (W4). When assessing student writing, educators should use these rubrics as a guideline and refer to the “Holistic Scoring of Conventions” on the second page (of each document) for scoring rules.

Writing Portfolio Data Analysis Tool
This tool is a two-page Excel spreadsheet designed for schools and districts using writing portfolios for local assessment purposes. Educators input students’ names and their scores (effectiveness and conventions) on the writing pieces in their portfolios. The tool automatically calculates the performance level of the whole portfolio of each student. The scale, from the 2000 Operations Manual, is based upon six pieces of writing in each portfolio. Data takes the form of three charts/graphs: 1) a genre-by-genre comparison graph of the percentage of students who Achieved or Achieved the Standard with Honors; 2) a pie chart with the percentage of students at each performance level for the whole portfolio; and 3) a pie chart showing the percent of students at each performance level for conventions: Consistent Control of Conventions, Inconsistent Control of Conventions and Minimal Control of Conventions.

• Grades 5-10
• Grade 4 (with three genres)
• Variable (number of pieces) Option (Not yet available)

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