The Neglected “R” in a Time of Common Core

Abstract

This article unpacks the content of the CCSS for writing and languageand describes a number of instructional practices based on empirical research for successfully implementing such content in the classroom.

Practices and Challenges of Writing Instruction in K-2 Classrooms: A Case Study of Five Primary Grade Teachers

“…Although findings of this study are not meant to be generalizable beyond the teachers interviewed, awareness of existing practices and acknowledging the potential challenges that K-2 teachers may experience can be informative both to teaches and teacher educators. Given the limited research regarding writing instruction in K-2 classrooms, findings from this case study can provide insights that can aid in supporting classroom teachers to respond to the growing attention regarding early writing experiences and the recommendations to increase and enhance classroom writing instruction in the early grades (Common Core State Standards Initiative 2011; Mo et al 2014). The following will discuss the implications of an awareness of opportunities and challenges regarding the role of teacher preparation and professional development programs in supporting primary grade teachers to implement recommendations to increase and enhance writing instruction.…”

“…The National Commission on Writing (2003) strongly urges teachers to increase children's time learning and practicing writing. As mentioned previously, increased attention to writing in the Common Core State Standards (2011) further supports the importance of writing experiences in K-2 classrooms (Mo et al 2014).…”

“…Despite the recognition of its importance by placing writing as central to the school agenda (National Commission on Writing 2003), writing instruction is often overlooked or subsumed by general classroom instruction (Mo et al 2014). The National Commission on Writing (2003) has referred to writing as ''the neglected 'R''' (p. 9).…”

“…Influenced by research that identifies the interrelated role of writing and the development of early literacy skills (Craig 2006;Farnan and Dahl 2003;Elliott and Olliff 2008;Mo et al 2014;Puranik et al 2011;Ritchey 2008), recommendations have been made to increase and enhance writing instructional experiences in primary grade classrooms (K-2). These recommendations are reflected in the Common Core State Standards Initiative (2011) as it emphasizes the development of writing in grades K-5 (Mo et al 2014).…”

“…These recommendations are reflected in the Common Core State Standards Initiative (2011) as it emphasizes the development of writing in grades K-5 (Mo et al 2014).…”