Workshops

Writing Assessment to Guide Instruction

Presented by Natalie Olinghouse
October 21, 2010
To download a brochure click here
To download a registration form click here

Writing requires the coordination of multiple skills and abilities, including handwriting, spelling, word choice, sentence structure, coherence and organization, and planning and revising strategies, among others. To
address each of these aspects instructionally, educators need an assessment plan that is comprehensive and meets the varied needs of students. In this workshop, educators will learn different methods of designing,
administering, and scoring writing assessments that measure different writing skills and abilities, leading to a comprehensive understanding of students’ writing abilities. The workshop also will address writing assessment within multi-tiered system. Suggestions for linking assessment and instruction will be presented.

Note: Participants should bring student writing samples to score during workshop activities. Samples also will be available from the presenter.Samples should represent typical writing activities/assignments in the participant’s classroom or school.

Fall 2010 Trainings:
Study of Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling Part ll
September 10,11, 24, 25, October 15, 16 (6 days) Fridays: 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturdays: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

The focus of this course is vocabulary, reading comprehension and writing for comprehension. Instructor: Joan Sedita (3 graduate credits available)

The ANSWER Key to Open Response
Thursday, October 14, 2010
8:40 am - 3:30 pm

The ANSWER Key to Open Response is a routine for students to help answer open response questions that measure reading comprehension on statewide tests. Presenter: Joan Sedita (7 Professional Development Points)

Decoding and Syllabication (Project Read Phonics)
October 29, 30, November 5, 6, 19, 20 (6 days)
Fridays: 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturdays: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

The purpose of this course is to provide teachers with an understanding of the various methods of phonics instruction on the reading instruction continuum. Instructor: Jill Pompi (3 graduate credits available)

The Presenter:
Natalie Olinghouse
Natalie Olinghouse is an Assistant Professor in the Educational Psychology Department and a Research Scientist in the Center for Behavioral Education and Research at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Olinghouse’s research interests include learning disabilities, reading and writing connections, writing assessments, and reading/writing interventions for all learners. She currently serves on two national panels to evaluate evidence-based interventions within a
Response to Intervention framework through the Office of Special Education and to develop an elementary writing instruction practice guide with the What Works Clearinghouse. Dr. Olinghouse has twelve years of special education teaching experience in Michigan and Florida.