Teaching and Assessing Writing

EDUC 653 Middle School Through Adult Writing Instruction 
Concepts, instructional methods and assessment strategies for improving writing instruction, middle school through post-secondary. Self-assessment strategies, technology and software applications, and writing across the curriculum.

EDUC 654 PK Through Elementary Writing Instruction    
Application of the 6-Traits approach to assessment and instruction of student writing in PK through grade 5. Study of the continuum of primary and elementary language arts skills and writing across the curriculum.

Complete the Online Registration Form.

If you need a copy of the syllabus for your employer to approve enrollment in the class, email: Online Professional Development.

When is the registration deadline?

Reserve your spot now. 

Withdrawal and Refund Policy

An e-textbook is included as part of your course tuition.

Textbook for PK-3 teachers:
Spandel, V. (2011). Creating young writers: Using the six traits to enrich writing process in primary classrooms (3rd ed.) (Creating 6-Trait Revisers and Editors Series), Pearson Education. ISBN: 978-0132685856

Textbook for Grades 4*, 5, Middle School, High School, and Adult Ed teachers:
Spandel, V. (2012). Creating writers: Six traits, process, workshop, and literature (6th ed.). Pearson. ISBN: 978-0132944106

*4th grade teachers, ESL, Special Ed, and teachers working in 'inclusive' classrooms could benefit from using both books.

"This course, while helping me improve my writing instruction, also helped me improve my instruction overall." 

"The text was useful and the additional readings helped me think about how to really engage students in the writing process rather than produce lackluster prose because the course demands it. And it's all very applicable to college-level students too!." 

"I have two bachelor degrees under my belt and countless grad classes. This class was the best, most engaging, most educational, most useful, best feedback....just wonderful."

"I think the best thing I could have done for future students was to take this class and refresh my teaching skills."

"This course has reignited the fire for teaching that I once had. "

"Renee is so positive; she opens eyes to different schools of thought and doesn't just give you answers but encourages you to discover the answers on your own. " 

"We had a truly international classroom. Only about half us were teaching in the US. Several were teaching in Department of Defense Schools overseas. We were a good mix of novice and veteran teachers."