True to Ourselves

Effective Writing Practice in a No Child Left Behind World

Authors

  • John Poole Expedition Academy Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/wap.v3i1.131

Keywords:

No Child Left Behind, standardized writing test, writing assessment, K–12, high-stakes testing

Abstract

No Child Left Behind has transformed education, including writing instruction. Teachers must remain true to effective writing practice in order to combat the rising trend of relying on standardized writing tests as the only measure of effective writing. When assessing writing, teachers should be major players in the assessment process, and a wide range of assessments should be used to accurately determine students’ writing abilities.

Author Biography

  • John Poole, Expedition Academy

    John Poole is the principal of Expedition Academy, an alternative high school in Green River, Wyoming. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Western Wyoming Community College, where he teaches composition. His interests include writing as empowerment and alternative writing modes. He lives in Green River, Wyoming, with his wife and six children.

References

Dillon, S. (2010) Obama calls for major change in education law. New York Times. March 13, 2010. Retrieved 21 June, 2010 from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/14/education/14child.html?pagewanted=1.

Graves, D. H. (2002) Testing Is Not Teaching: What Should Count in Education. Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Heinemann.

Idaho State Department of Education (2008) Ninth Grade Expository Direct Writing Assessment 2008-2009. Idaho State Department of Education Website. Retrieved on 9 June 2010 from http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/english/docs/2008-2009/9th%20grade/9th%20grade%20prompt.pdf.

Idaho State Department of Education (2009) Sample prompts. (2009) Idaho State Department of Education Website. Retrieved on 9 June 2010 from http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/english/grade_9.htm.

Idaho State Department of Education (2010) Idaho Direct Writing Assessment. Idaho State Department of Education Website. Retrieved on 9 June 2010 from http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/english/dwa.htm.

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Romano, T. (1987) Clearing the Way. New York: Heinemann.

Strong, W. (2001) Coaching Writing: The Power of Guided Practice. Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Heinemann.

United States Department of Education (2001) Elementary and Secondary Education Table of Contents. U.S. Department of Education Website. Retrieved on 14 June 2010 from http://ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/index.html .

Writing Study Group of the NCTE Executive Committee (2004) NCTE Beliefs about the Teaching of Writing. (2004) NCTE Website. Retrieved on 14 December 2009 from http://www.ncte.org/about/over/positions/category/write/118876.htm.

Published

2011-06-29

Issue

Section

Reflections on Practice

How to Cite

Poole, J. (2011). True to Ourselves: Effective Writing Practice in a No Child Left Behind World. Writing and Pedagogy, 3(1), 131-140. https://doi.org/10.1558/wap.v3i1.131

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