Rx:WRITE: A TEACHER'S GUIDE
What is it?
Rx:WRITE is a collection of online writing lessons that are linked to a generic rubric. Rx:WRITE also includes other supports that students can use to improve their writing, and teachers can use to improve their instruction with regard to writing in all subject areas.
Why do we have it? How does it work?
You assign a writing task and teach the necessary information. You collect the papers and carefully evaluate them. Then you return them to the students. But what happens next? How do students move ahead?
We have Rx:WRITE so that you can direct students to lessons that respond to their demonstrated writing needs . Students are then expected to go online on their own time. The lessons won't take them very long to complete, nor will they take long for you to check (if you choose to do so). But we hope that the lessons will effectively improve the student's writing in the targeted way.
Why now?
There are several reasons why now is the time for Rx:WRITE. First of all, now is the time when we thought of doing it! Second, technology makes it possible to refer students to targeted lessons on the World Wide Web. Third, Standards in all subject areas require writing skills, as does the new S.A.T. But, most important, we believe that sharp writing skills are necessary for academic success in all subject areas, and certainly a necessary life skill. The National Commission on Writing, a 2003 study commissioned to the College Board, opens with this statement: “American education will never realize its potential as an engine of opportunity and economic growth until a writing revolution puts language and communication in their proper place in the classroom. Writing is how students connect the dots in their knowledge.” We agree, and we hope that you do as well, and that you share our enthusiasm in making our students better writers and thinkers.
How can I use it?
We've tried to make Rx:WRITE as user friendly as possible. You have received a guidebook, which shows you the rubrics and the lessons. Start slowly. When you read a student's paper, certain writing needs may jump out at you. These writing needs may be addressed by one of the Rx:WRITE lessons. If that happens, then you can refer that student to the appropriate lesson. You might want to note something like this: Rx: Thesis Statement , or Rx: Examples .
It would then be that student's responsibility to do this lesson. What happens next is up to you: You may want the lesson printed out and handed in, you may want to give it a grade, or restore a certain number of points on the original writing piece once the lesson is satisfactorily completed.
Rx:WRITE is here to help you help your students, at your discretion and in accordance with your own teaching style. We would like to have you use it just as you see fit.
How can I improve it?
Obviously, Rx:WRITE is brand new. It is a work in progress. We welcome your ideas to improve it both in content and in structure.
Rx Write is written by Amy Benjamin. © 2004. Eye on Education. Larchmont, New York. Used with permission.