e-asTTle writing (revised) Manual 2012.pdf

Part A:e-asTTle writing1. Introduction to e-asTTle writing (revised)1.1.Introduction to e-asTTle writing and the manuale-asTTle writing (revised) is an online assessment tool designed to assess students’ progress in writing fromYears 1–10. It represents a complete revision of the original e-asTTle writing assessment tool.e-asTTle writing assesses students’ ability to independently write continuous text across a variety ofcommunicative purposes (describe, explain, recount, narrate, persuade). It assesses generic writing competencerather than writing specific to any learning area, and so does not assess content knowledge.An e-asTTle writing test involves students writing for up to 40 minutes to compose a response to a set prompt(formerly known as a “task”). Teachers then use a rubric, supported by notes and exemplars, to score the writingagainst seven different elements of writing. The online e-asTTle application is able to convert the rubric scoresto scores on an e-asTTle writing scale and subsequently to curriculum levels, and then to produce a range ofreporting at the individual and group level.As well as helping teachers monitor their students’ progress, the results from e-asTTle writing will assistteachers to make informed decisions about the kinds of teaching materials, methods and programmes mostsuitable for their students. It also provides teachers with a means of measuring progress in writing over timeand against the national expectations.This manual does not replace, but extends upon, the user manuals already available for the e-asTTle application.It is an important resource for teachers and school leaders who plan to use e-asTTle writing. It describesthe assessment tool and provides information and advice about its use. Particular emphasis is given to themarking process. It is recommended that teachers and school leaders read the manual thoroughly and consultit regularly, at least in the initial stages of using the tool, since there are several significant changes that will notbe immediately obvious from the tool itself.Components of the tool:• 20 writing assessment prompts• a marking rubric• structure and language notes (to assist use of the marking rubric)• 76 annotated exemplars• a glossary and a list of definitions.Page 5 Part A: e-asTTle writinge-asTTle writing (revised) Manual