Part of it too is the scoring of these types of tests. Is this
a school benchmark, or a statewide benchmark? Who is doing the
grading, and what is the rubric like? Are you utilizing the
same rubrics in class that the benchmark is scored upon? You
need consistency in the language and use of benchmarks, and
total familiarity with how the writing samples are scored to
best understand how to teach the writing style to your students.

I teach 8th grade in Georgia. In the past, we've had teachers
use Power Writing, 6-traits, and a variety of other
writing 'programs' for their writing focus. Our students are
required to take an 8th grade writing assessment created by the
state. Our students were scoring in the 90% plus passing rate
for years, and then BOOM...we dropped to only 72%. Of course,
principal panicked, but upon a closer looksie, we realized that
the state had changed the rubric. It now was a rubric based on
ideas, org, style, and conventions that closely mimics 6-
traits. We then began using 6-traits regularly, used the
language of the rubrics, had students score papers using the
rubrics, and within 2 years are back to a 93% passing rate.
The way it's scored can have a lot to do with it.

On 11/13/08, question wrote:
> On 11/13/08, momof2 wrote:
>> I am extremely discourged and am looking for any and all
>> help. My students just took their writing benchmark test
>> today, and the composition scores were absolutely
>> disappointing. I have been using a program that evidently
>> is not working.
>>
>> Looks like I am going to have to start at the beginning,
>> but I have no idea where to begin. Plus, is it too late?
>>
>> FYI: I have never taught 4th grade before.
>
> What did you think of their writing just prior to taking the
> test? How did it look to you? Kids can freeze on a test or
> not understand the question. Did these results take you by
> surprise?
>
>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>

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