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2.180 Six-Traits Writing Model
The Alliance Middle Schoolís NCA
Written Communications Committee has implemented the Six-Traits Writing
Model into the language arts classroom. To further support writing, all
other disciplines require at least one writing assignment and assess the
writing based on the Six-Traits Writing Model to create consistency in
grading.
It is the goal of all the teachers at the Alliance Middle School to help students manipulate written language in an organized, meaningful way. "How different writing instruction-and assessment-can be when teachers of writing and their students share a common vocabulary that allows them to think, speak, assess, and plan like writers. Suddenly, there is no more mystery." (Spandel, Stiggins p. xi)
"Explicit criteria simplify both teaching and learning by making the goals of writing clear and by laying out for students precisely what they must do to succeed. When criteria serve not just as the basis for judgment but as guidelines for learning, assessment and instruction become one seamless whole, and each gains power from the other." (Spandel, Stiggins p. xii)
ï Following is a detailed description of each trait.
2. ORGANIZATION: "Organization is the internal structure of a piece of writing, the thread of central meaning. It doesnít matter what the pattern is, so long as it fits the central idea well. When the organization is strong, the piece begins meaningfully and creates in the writer a sense of anticipation that is ultimately, systematically fulfilled. Connections are strong, which is another way of saying that bridges from one idea to the next hold up. The piece closes with a sense of resolution, tying up loose ends, bringing things to closure, answering important questions while still leaving the reader something to think about."
3. VOICE: "The voice is the writer coming through the words, the sense that a real person is speaking to us and cares about the message. It is the heart and soul of the writing, the magic, the wit, the feeling, the life and breath. When the writer is engaged personally with the topic, he/she imparts a personal tone and flavor to the piece that is unmistakable his/hers alone. And it is that individual something-different from the mark of all other writers-that we call voice."
4. WORD CHOICE: "Word Choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that communicates not just in a functional way, but in a way that moves and enlightens the reader. In good descriptive writing, strong word choice paints clear pictures in the readerís mind."
5. SENTENCE FLUENCY: "Sentence fluency is the rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of word patterns, they way in which the writing plays to the ear-not just to the eye. How does it sound when read aloud? Thatís the test. Fluent writing has cadence, power, rhythm and movement. It is free of awkward word patterns that slow the readerís progress. Sentences vary in length and style, and are so well crafted that reading aloud is a pleasure."
6. CONVENTIONS: "Conventions are
the mechanical correctness of the piece-spelling, grammar and usage, paragraphing
(indenting in the appropriate spots)-use of capitals and punctuation. Writing
that is strong in conventions has usually been proofread and edited with
care." Conventions are often over emphasized as the most important part
of a writing. This program recognizes it as one of several components that
make a writing.
Section 2 Index
2.010
Daily Schedule
2.020
Shortened Schedule
2.030
Bulletins and Announcements
2.040
Cafeteria and Lunch
2.045
Closed-Campus Lunch
2.050
Physical Education
2.060
Physicals and Immunizations and Birth Certificates
2.070
Inclement Weather
2.080
Lost and Found
2.090 Visitors
2.100
Student Dress
2.110
Laboratory Safety Glasses
2.120 Insurance
2.130 Study
Hall
2.140
Student Valuables
2.150
Security Cameras
2.160
Semester Tests
2.170
Student Fines
2.180 Six-Traits Writing Model
2.190
School-Dance Attendance