What Student Writing Teaches Us: Formative Assessment in the Writing Workshop

Overmeyer, literacy coordinator and coach in the Cherry Creek Schools, Colorado, shares ideas about using assessment at all stages of the writing process, focusing on formative assessment in the writing classroom; that is, assessment for learning rather than assessment of learning. He provides an overview of formative and summative assessment in the context of writing instruction, then gives advice on planning, and describes how teachers can offer feedback through rubrics, checklists, conferences, and classroom discussions. An entire chapter is devoted to teaching students how to monitor their own progress and set goals. Final chapters look at grading practices and record-keeping in the writing workshop. Every suggestion in the book has been classroom tested with the help of "experts," students ages five to 14, who are quoted throughout the book. Real examples of student work at all stages are included, along with real-life b&w classroom photos. The author teaches in the graduate program at the University of Colorado at Denver, where he co-directs the National Writing Project site. There is no subject index. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)