This special report explores how writing instruction has changed in recent years, particularly with the adoption of college- and career-ready standards. The stories in the report, which include perspective pieces by current teachers, look at how teachers are adjusting to changes in the curriculum in writing instruction, what kinds of support they are receiving (or not receiving), and innovative instructional strategies designed to help student improve their writing and reach new skill levels.
In these videos from our editorial partner The Teaching Channel, master educators demonstrate strategies they use to engage students in complex writing assignments.
Sargy Letuchy teaches a writing class at Bolingbrook High School in suburban Chicago, and consults with other teachers to help them teach writing aligned with the common core.
The five-paragraph essay, a staple in school writing curricula, has become a source of debate for educators, with critics charging the format is too rigid and constraining.
Drawing upon her interest in hip-hop, teacher Lauren Leigh Kelly created “Hip-Hop Literature and Culture,” an English course in which students discuss hip-hop texts—including songs, films, and music videos—to explore constructions of gender, race and self.
Lauren Leigh Kelly's Hip-Hop Literature and Culture Class uses hip-hop texts as a means to develop students' media-literacy and critical-analysis skills.
Through verbal and written strategies, students gain a deeper grasp of math content, while giving teachers a window into their understanding, writes STEM educator Amy Shapiro.
Under the common standards, writing instruction is more strategic and substantive, teacher James A. Dittes reflects. But fewer diversions can also mean it's sometimes less fun.
Though de-emphasized in the common core, creative writing can play an irreplaceable role in the development of students' complex literacy skills, writes language arts teacher Ariel Sacks.
Ariel Sacks, June 20, 2016
•
10 min read
Sign Up for EdWeek Update
Get the latest education news delivered to your inbox daily.
Reprints, Photocopies and Licensing of Content
All content on Education Week's websites is protected by copyright. No part of this publication shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic or otherwise, without the written permission of the copyright holder. Readers may make up to 5 print copies of this publication at no cost for personal, non-commercial use, provided that each includes a full citation of the source. For additional print copies, or for permission for other uses of the content, visit www.edweek.org/help/reprints-photocopies-and-licensing-of-content or email reprints@educationweek.org and include information on how you would like to use the content. Want to seamlessly share more EdWeek content with your colleagues? Contact us today at pages.edweek.org/ew-for-districts-learn-more.html to learn about how group online subscriptions can complement professional learning in your district or organization.