If we all agree on what good writing is, we can better help our students to produce it. Using our maps, we can make sure that our writing instruction spirals with increasing levels of challenge. New and experienced teachers will have the benefit of guidelines in a usable format. Teachers will have a comprehensive record of individual student growth in writing. All District writing assessment scores will be recorded in the same manner on the student's writing portfolio, which follows him K-12. 2.
Portfolios provide evidence of academic progress .
Writing portfolios can be used to expedite the creation of AIP's and other instructional plans. Schools can document that all Sunshine State Standards, Goal 3 Standards, and Grade Level Expectations relating to writing instruction have been met. One of our primary goals in 2000 was to design and implement a Comprehensive District Writing Plan that coordinates and focuses our writing instruction across all grade levels, K-12. Earlier this summer, a task force of teachers from all schools and all grade levels met to create a document to meet our needs. These teachers expertise in writing instruction gave them the necessary skills to design an effective, comprehensive program geared to improving student achievement in writing K-12.