Rigor

Writer's Workspace is an online, integrated language arts program which engages students in the writing process through interactive reading-writing lessons, a dynamic writing platform, and useful student tools. It was developed to offer students rigorous language arts instruction to meet the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, English Language Proficiency Standards, and College and Career Readiness Standards within an exciting, interactive online environment.

Writer's Workspace supports rigorous writing and grammar instruction through three parts:

Step 1. Reading: Before beginning the writing lesson, students read literature in the genre of the writing activity. The exploration of reading in the writing genre helps students develop deeper conceptual understanding and enrich their higher-order thinking skills. Interactive Reading selections include

• Opportunities to read and respond to literature in the writing genre
• Authentic literature selections with before, during, and after interactive response activities
• Scaffolded reading support for differentiated instruction

Step 2. Reading-Writing Connection: Reading-Writing Standards Practice activities provide a bridge between reading and writing. Students study the author’s craft in the context of Texas writing TEKS. Students also develop writing skills by completing short, focused writing activities.

Step 3. Comprehensive Writing: In Writing Workshop activities students write longer compositions. The online writing tool takes students through the writing process stages (plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish). Teachers can comment online at each stage of the writing process. The Writing Workshop online writing tool provides students with

• Interactive Student Models (different student models, i.e., weak, strong, etc.)
• Comprehensive writing process online with teacher and peer support online or class discussions
• Resources for support including Grammar and Writing eBooks and Interactive Graphic Organizers
  • Timed Writing activities provide teachers with guidance and prompts to develop on-demand writing proficiency.
  • Challenge Workshops are writing opportunities where the scaffolding support for reading and writing have been removed. This writing opportunity most closely mimics the type of writing students will be asked to do on high stakes assessments.
  • Student Blackline Masters in the Teacher eBook supporting skill extension include:
    • Composition Extension
    • Grammar Extension