The 6+1 Trait® Writing team at Education Northwest will offer several institutes in the first part of 2012, beginning with two introductory institutes in January. With states nationwide preparing to implement the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS), professional development in trait-based writing instruction is particularly timely. “The CCSS in writing describe the knowledge and skills that all students will need to master for college and careers,” says Jan Littlebear, Education Northwest’s content expert for writing and an institute facilitator. “The CCSS are based on the same components of high-quality writing described in detail in Education Northwest’s 6+1 Trait Writing Model. Using the model’s scoring rubrics, teachers can provide concrete feedback to students about what they need to do to improve their work and ultimately achieve the high level of writing called for in the CCSS.”

During the 6+1 Trait Writing Introduction to the Traits Institute for Grades 6–12 and the 6+1 Trait Writing Introduction to the Traits Institute for Grades K–5, educators new to the model will learn how to teach and assess writing across its seven dimensions of performance: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation. According to Littlebear, these institutes are ideal for teams of teachers from the same school system. “When an entire school uses the model, students can continue to develop trait-based writing skills as they progress through the grades,” she notes.

Both introductory institutes will be held at Education Northwest’s headquarters in downtown Portland. Our offices are within walking distance of numerous lodging options as well as a MAX light rail station with service to the Portland airport.

Also taking place at Education Northwest is the 6+1 Trait Writing Across Content Areas Institute for teams of teachers grades 3–12. Participants of this March 29–30 institute will explore research-based classroom practices and design lessons for integrating writing in subjects including math, science, and social studies. "Using writing to help secondary students comprehend content is nothing new," says Littlebear. "In fact, it’s one of the single most important tools for teaching students new content. Teachers will leave this institute with writing-to-learn activities they can use in the classroom the next day—activities designed to help students comprehend content.”

In June, the team will host the 6+1 Trait Writing Institute for Trait Presenters in Cannon Beach, Oregon. This advanced training of trainers is for literacy coaches, teacher leaders, administrators, and curriculum coordinators who have knowledge and experience in the model and wish to conduct their own in-district, trait-based workshops. These future presenters will delve into the research supporting the 6+1 Trait model, explore balanced literacy issues, score K–12 student papers, and learn lesson design and curriculum mapping strategies. Throughout the three days, participants will learn how to incorporate adult learning strategies as they build their own workshops.

Our 6+1 Trait institutes fill quickly, so please confirm your registration before making any nonrefundable travel reservations. For more information and to register, visit our calendar of events or contact Mark Workman, 503.275.9572.