Anecdotal Writing Assessment

Anecdotal Assessment

Scarsdale elementary teachers have frequent writing conferences with students which provide learners with compliments and teaching points. The goal of a conference is to teach the individual writer. Hence, "Teach the Writer, not the Writing" implies that all students writing abilities will vary from student to student and class to class. During the research component of the conference, the teacher determines where the student’s current writing falls along the continuum of writing skills. In addition, the teacher records specific observations of individual student behavior, skills, and attitudes as they relate to outcomes for writing. Conferences provide a platform for teachers and students to plan and set goals, reflect upon their work, and understand their performance. This instant feedback helps accelerate skill development.