Curriculum and Instruction - SAS-WASC

students immediate feedback on writing conventions and supports writing across thecurriculum using common assessment vocabulary and common prompts. It furtherfrees teachers to address organization and content issues. My Access codes went outin May 2008 to piloting teachers. The task force will design an evaluation tool for thepilot early in 2008-2009.Next Steps:• Post instructional strategies on the Atlas site for teachers to access as theywrite units• Provide professional development to teachers on instructional strategies(e.g., through Teachers teaching Teachers)• A sub-committee will convene early in the fall to determine metrics for theeffectiveness of the My Access pilot.HOW CURRICULUM IS ASSESSED and HOW ASSESSMENT IS USEDInitial disaggregation of standardized test data occurred in spring 2006 withthe analysis of ERB and ITBS scores in grades 3-8 in reading and writing. Thisinformation was analyzed and used in the curriculum development process for PK-12language arts task force.“It was good to have cross campusconversations that were creativeand productive. It was great toestablish where we are and toincrease communication.” - MichaelEaston, middle school language artsteacher, reflects on the languagearts program review.3. Common AssessmentsAgreements were drafted and adopted for grades 6-10 on both campuses followingthe review of the high school common assessment agreement document, whichdefines the purpose, the nature, the number, and the grade levels to which theagreement applies. It was further agreed that the assessments should match thestrands assessed and should include oral presentations or projects as appropriate andagreed-upon – not only written examinations. Formative assessment was mentionedbut not fully explored and needs more attention in next years discussions.4. Six + one Writing Traits AssessmentThe 6-12 Language Arts task force recommended renewal of the Six Traits plusOne writing assessment model school-wide. The recommendation was echoed bythe PK-5 language arts task force. The model aligns with My Access and ERB, andits language is easily integrated into IB metrics. It is currently in use through thesecondary school, but needs renewal and training for staff who have come new to theschool since the last training several years ago.o Gr 8 PX – used widelyo Gr 7 PX– used widelyo Gr7 PD – began to use this year as preparation for ERBo HS PD – the categories and vocabulary are used widelyo HS PX – some faculty not entirely familiar with it, though rubricsare already in place for common assessmentsThe Task Force recommends re-adoption the Six Traits plus One writing assessmentmodel for grade 6 – 12 and the professional development to support said adoption.During the February Teachers teaching Teachers day, the training was offered butpoorly attended as the task force recommendation had not yet been made.5. Speech AssessmentThe task force briefly discussed the need for an assessment tool for speaking thatwould offer a common assessment vocabulary grades 6-12. Further investigation isneeded, and the task force will look into the Oregon State speaking Traits (CORE)and other tools in 2008-2009.Next Steps:• Calendar common assessment moderation time• Identify and post on Atlas anchor papers and exemplars for commonassessments for those courses who do not yet have them94Shanghai American School Self Study Report