Summary Point Writing

Brenda Hill
Jun 23, 2008

Current research shows (US DOE, 2006) that writing greatly impacts student learning and achievement. Exemplary schools have focused on literacy as one component of balanced achievement where strategies and skills are developed through a literacy continuum kindergarten through 12th grade. Not only do we realize the importance of teaching writing, but also we need to make sure that students are consistently and pervasively writing across all subject areas throughout the day. 
 
How do we accomplish this task with the limited amount of time in our daily schedule? We begin by embedding writing assignments in our lesson plans. These assignments do not have to be lengthy essays or papers, but rather brief, written responses that require students to think about new learning, process it in a clearer way, and get the information down on paper. Summary point writing is one way to have students write about new learning. It can be used for students to summarize learning at the beginning, during, or at the end of a lesson in 1-2 statements. This requires students to "write to inform", holds them accountable for their learning, and provides a quick informal assessment. Summary point writing is one of the most effective, efficient ways to consistently and pervasively make writing assignments that greatly impact student achievement within the daily schedule. 

Learning-Focused has several resources/trainings available to help students become better writers: Comprehensive Literacy, Writing Assignments and Assessments K-2, Writing Assignments and Assessments 3-5, Writing Assignments and Assessments 6-8, Writing Assignments 9-12, and Differentiated Assignments, in our Literacy Strategies Collection. For additional information about materials or training, contact us at 866-95 LEARN.