Writing

Key Terms

WAC: Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) encourages the inclusion of writing in all disciplines, rather than leaving writing strictly in the realm of English.  WAC gives  students more opportunities to practice and improve their writing.

NAEP: The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assesses student achievement in grades 4, 8, and 12, using samples of students from public and nonpublic schools.  NAEP does not evaluate individual students or schools, but states can choose to participate in NAEP and receive assessments of student
achievement in that state.

High-stakes assessment:  High-stakes assessment uses a single, standardized test to determine student achievement and/or preparedness.  High-stakes tests are sometimes used to determine whether or not a student graduates, or is promoted to the next grade level.

Teacher-writer: A teacher-writer is an instructor who is a practitioner of writing, as well as a teacher of writing. 

Constructed response test:  A constructed response test asks a student to read or analyze given texts or data, and then generate a response to them based on a prompt question.