Observation Guide: Writing Implementation

Directions:
Use this same form over an extended period of time, as a data source to
Observer: ______________________ Grade Level: _______________________
help support the study of implementation for educators and administrators
trained in this area. Simply place date or checkmark next to item observed. Teacher: _______________________ School Year(s): _____________________
This is not intended for teacher evaluation.

Writing
The Literate Environment Teacher Behaviors Student Behaviors
(Observed over time) (Observed over time) (Observed over time)

＿ The classroom library is well organized, ＿ Teacher states the lesson objective (by the ＿ Students practice concept or strategy with
accessible and inviting end of this lesson you will be able to…) teacher guidance

＿ The classroom environment is filled with text ＿ Teacher introduces concept or strategy ＿ Students practice concept or strategy
(30 trade books per student) independently

＿ The classroom is organized so that students ＿ Teacher models or demonstrates ＿ Students apply concept or strategy to
have lots of time to read (45-60 min. per day) application of the strategy authentic reading/writing situations

＿ Conversational talk is emphasized in the ＿ Teacher guides students in practice and ＿ Students have a clear idea of their own
classroom uses observation data to guide next steps progress/success in learning

＿ There is evidence of rich oral and written ＿ Teacher monitors for transfer of concept or ＿ Students apply concept or strategy
vocabulary in the classroom strategy to authentic reading situations independently in authentic writing situations

＿ Classroom includes charts, posters, bulletin ＿ Teacher frequently assesses what is taught ＿ Students collaborate with others during a
boards that remind students of reading and
and provides corrective feedback writing workshop
writing strategies that they are to use

Literacy Excellence 2007-2008

Resource provided by AEA 267 © 2007 — Permission granted to educational organizations to copy and use
http://www.aea267.k12.ia.us/literacyexcellence 1

The Literate Environment
(Observed over time)
＿ Multiple opportunities are provided for
students to read under teacher guidance
＿ Writing is an integral part of the classroom
context (45 minutes per day, at least)
＿ Within the classroom, safe, conversational
talk about writing and the writing process is
emphasized
＿ Multiple opportunities for students to write
under teacher guidance are evident
＿ Student written work is displayed throughout
the classroom
Literacy Excellence 2007-2008
Resource provided by AEA 267 © 2007 — Permission granted to educational organizations to copy and use
http://www.aea267.k12.ia.us/literacyexcellence
Writing
Teacher Behaviors Student Behaviors
(Observed over time) (Observed over time)
＿ Teacher introduces concept or strategy in a ＿ Students maintain individual control of
mini-lesson format for authentic writing writing, deciding which works to revise, edit
opportunities and bring to final draft form
＿ Teacher models application of the strategy, ＿ Students maintain a writing folder, adding to
and incorporates needed mini-lessons
pieces and deciding which ones to work on
within a literate environment
＿ Writing is an integral part of the classroom ＿ Students makes decision regarding own
context (45 minutes per day, at least), as
writing as individuals reflect on multiple
evidenced by multiple opportunities for
drafts
students to write under teacher guidance
＿ Teacher conferences with students ＿ Students self-reflect on writing process and
before/during/after the writing process, and individual drafts, coming to know and
is accessible during writing workshop understand himself/herself as a writer
＿ Teacher helps students to maintain a
writing folder, containing multiple attempts
at writing, with writings at multiple stages
and for different purposes
＿ Teacher encourages students to believe
they are authors and tries to show students
what real authors do to complete the writing
task
2
 Writing
The Literate Environment Teacher Behaviors Student Behaviors
(Observed over time) (Observed over time) (Observed over time)

＿ Teacher maintains writing materials and a

comfortable place and atmosphere in which
to write

＿ Teacher encourages, supports, and

teaches the writing process

＿ Teacher teaches students to write different

kinds of text (narrative [fiction or fact],
expository, explanatory, analytical,
persuasive or argumentative), depending
upon age and experience of students

＿ Teacher considers him/herself a writer and

shares models and steps of the writing
process with students where appropriate

Literacy Excellence 2007-2008

Resource provided by AEA 267 © 2007 — Permission granted to educational organizations to copy and use
http://www.aea267.k12.ia.us/literacyexcellence 3