Harmony Hill teachers work on writing strategies for students

Summer wasn't completely about relaxation for several members of Harmony Hill's staff.

During the last week of July, about 15 teachers gathered for a two-day workshop on teaching students to write, beginning an anticipated year-long discussion on the writing process at the school.

"We're looking for a framework for developing writing in the building," said Dr. Theresa Ward, an assistant professor at The College of Saint Rose, who facilitated the July workshop. Through a grant, Ward worked with Harmony Hill School over the course of the 2006-07 school year on strategies for developing reading skills in students.

At the summer professional development workshop, the teachers first examined student writing within the school and assessed its levels, categorizing the work from emerging to experienced. They also looked at the school's current methods for teaching writing.

After assessing student work, the teachers began developing expectations for what writing skills students should have when they enter each grade level in the fall. Those expectations will help teachers create updated rubrics for writing.

Next year, teachers will recognize six traits of the writing process – word choice, voice, ideas, sentence fluency and conventions – in every grade level for consistency. They will also focus on presentation.

"This is very exciting," said Principal of Harmony Hill School Kitty Summers. "We are hoping to provide students with consistent vocabulary and instructional practices that will help them not only develop their skills, but to allow them to find their own voice."

The conversation about writing at Harmony Hill is framed by the state and district's writing curriculum.

Next year, the discussion and development will continue as teachers meet regularly as a group in "whole faculty study groups," collaborating on ideas, examining what they teach and honing writing practices that will ensure student success.