Education Northwest’s 6+1 Trait® Writing Model of Instruction & Assessment is a powerful framework designed to help all teachers and students use a common language to refer to characteristics of writing, as well as create a common vision of what quality writing looks like. Participants of this workshop will learn to use the 6+1 Trait model to integrate writing-to-learn activities across content areas.

This two-day workshop is designed for teams of three or four secondary teachers: three-person teams might include a science teacher, math teacher, and a social studies teacher; if four people attend, we suggest that either an administrator or a language arts teacher join the other three.

Day 1 will demonstrate ways to introduce the traits to students using quick writes and other short assignments. Day 2 will use the 6+1 Trait model to improve and assess writing in all content areas, plus we will introduce many writing-to-learn activities for comprehension of content. Both days will include a review of writing research and make connections to Common Core State Standards for English language arts and literacy in history/social studies, science, and technical subjects.

Participants will:

• Identify and be able to use the 6+1 Traits to create a common language and to set clear goals for writing in their content areas
• Learn to incorporate writing-to-learn activities across the curriculum
• Gain strategies to enhance student thinking and learning through writing in the content areas
• Design activities, strategies, lessons, and methods for integrating more student writing in their classrooms
• Use the 6+1 Traits to improve and assess longer, more formal writing assignments

Institute Facilitator

Jan Littlebear, a senior program advisor at Education Northwest, provides training in the 6+1 Trait Writing model across the country. She also assists with research in teaching and assessing writing. Littlebear relies on research-supported best practices and on 18 years of experience using the 6+1 Trait model in both elementary and secondary classrooms, as well as tutoring students and mentoring teachers. She has a master’s degree in education with a focus on language and literacy, as well as a National Board Certification in early adolescence English and language arts. In her workshops, Littlebear uses humor, interactive strategies, and hands-on activities to involve everyone in the learning process. Participants often remark how reenergized and excited they are to return to their classrooms and apply what they have learned.

Location and Lodging

The institute will be held in the fifth-floor boardroom at:

Education Northwest
101 S.W. Main St., Suite 500
Portland, OR 97204
503.275.9500

Several hotels are within walking distance of Education Northwest’s downtown Portland offices. The closest, most affordable option is Hotel 50—just three blocks away and on the MAX light rail line (with frequent access to Portland International Airport). To make reservations, call 503.221.0711 and ask for the Education Northwest corporate rate. The RiverPlace Hotel, Hotel Modera, Marriott Waterfront, and Hilton Portland are other quality options within walking distance to Education Northwest. Parking at Education Northwest is $15 per day. Education Northwest is also within walking distance of Portland’s light rail and bus mall.

Fees and Schedule

By December 16, 2011: $425 per person
After December 16, 2011: $475 per person

Fees include all materials, supplies, breakfast, and lunch. Daily institute hours are 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Lunch is 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Register Now

For additional information, contact Mark Workman, 503.275.9572.

Refunds (minus a $75 processing fee) are available with written notification no later than January 13, 2012. There are no refunds for cancellations after that date. No-shows will forfeit their registration fee. Registration forms received without a purchase order, VISA, or MasterCard number, or check will not reserve your spot at the institute. All registration fees must be paid by January 17, 2012, unless prior arrangements have been made.

Attachment
6+1 Trait Writing Across Content Areas Institute for Secondary Teachers.pdf