From: wecooks@ix.netcom.com
Subject: Writing as Assessment
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 1997 20:43:34 -0800
Improvement of writing skills is one of the major aims of our school site plan. As such, we are each trying to include more writing in our classes. I have decided to have most of my tests be essay type, rather than short answer, so as to both encourage writing per se and also to encourage the students to organize their thoughts about the topics. I would appreciate feed back on these questions and the rubric. My students are grades 9-12, ages 16-20. About 10% are ESL kids, rest a mixture of reading on a 5th grade level to should be in college. Sound--Using complete sentences and wonderful English.....( and labelled drawings, if desired) How does an oscilloscope show us: a) pure tone b) interference c) two tones that are a little different in wavelength d) harmonic resonance? Sex Ed--What are the major differences between a viral infection (Herpes/AIDS) and a bacterial infection (Syphilis/Gonorrhea)? Your answer should include: a) major characteristics (visual, biological and size) of (several types of )viruses and (three types of) bacteria (use can use labelled illustrations, if you desire) b) what the different white blood cells do in each type of infection (phagocytosis vs. antibodies) c) what type of medicine (or shots) a doctor would use to cure/prevent such a disease Antarctica, Iceland, Mars-- Using complete sentences and wonderful English..... What volcanic evidence leads scientists to conclude that there is NO plate tectonic activity on Mars? Your answer should include: a) characteristics (visual and type of eruption) of two major types of volcanoes on Earth b) where these volcanoes are found with relation to our plate tectonic activity c) major difference between the characteristic Terran volcanoes and Martian volcanoes (ex. Olympus Mons and Hawaiian volcanoes) SCORING GUIDE FOR WRITTEN PAPERS POINTS LEVEL PAPER HAS ALL OF THESE CHARACTERISTICS 4/4 A-Exemplary Concise, well organized, consistent, complete Followed all directions Reader does not have to guess at meanings Precise, varied vocabulary, good grammar and spelling Neatly written or typed Scientific facts correct and complete 3/4 B-Standard Well organized Followed most or all directions Generally clear intent Sufficient detail Correct vocabulary, good grammar and spelling Neatly written or typed Scientific facts correct and complete 2/4 C-Average Inconsistent, satisfactory organization, details lacking Did not follow some directions, missing small part of paper Reader must guess at intent Vocabulary imprecise, many grammar and/or spelling errors Handwriting hard to read Scientific facts mostly correct or incomplete 1/4 D-Below Average Not adequately developed Hasty roundabout reference to assignment (looks like you wrote it walking to class) Little or no detail, messy writing, poor grammar and spelling Late, did not follow directions, did not complete major part(s) of paper Scientific facts incorrect and/or incomplete 0 Zero F-Failing Paper is blank, unreadable, or does not address assigned topic Paper not turned in by assigned time or by make-up time. Scientific facts incorrect and/or incomplete So, what do you all think about using these for assessing my students? Please share what you use for assessment at your grade level. Thanks, jkc