Our school's CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success) data from the previous year revealed a critical area of concern: the average percent of points earned on writing tasks was below 50%, making it the lowest subclaim measured across all tested subjects. This significant underperformance in writing highlights a critical weakness in our students' ability to effectively communicate, which in turn impacts their overall academic achievement. When comparing writing performance to other content areas, such as reading and mathematics, writing consistently emerges as the area with the greatest need for improvement. This disparity indicates that while students may be progressing in other academic areas, their writing skills are not keeping pace, which can hinder their success across the curriculum.
Strong writing skills are foundational to academic success, as they enable students to articulate their thoughts, analyze information, and engage in higher-order thinking. Writing is not only essential in English Language Arts but also across other content areas, such as social studies and science, where students must construct arguments, explain concepts, and present information clearly. By focusing on improving writing, we are addressing a key area of weakness while equipping students with the skills necessary for success in all areas of their education and future endeavors.
Reflecting on the prior year's performance, it is evident that challenges in writing have persisted, signaling that current strategies have not been sufficient to meet students' needs. This trend necessitates a focused and strategic approach to improving writing instruction, which is why we have selected the thinkSRSD Writing Framework as a Major Improvement Strategy (MIS). This framework is designed to provide consistent, high-quality writing instruction that will help students develop the skills they need to succeed. Although not directly related to writing, factors such as consistent attendance and student engagement are also crucial to improving academic outcomes. Schools with higher levels of student engagement typically see better performance across all areas, including writing. Therefore, ensuring that students are present and actively participating in their learning will be a key component of our overall strategy to enhance writing outcomes. By focusing on these areas, we aim to significantly improve our students' writing abilities, ultimately leading to better academic achievement and preparedness for future challenges.