Students Take Writing Tests
Fourth, eighth, and eleventh graders at Pierce had to take a state writing test on February 1. “Fourth, eighth, and eleventh graders have to take this test because the state requires these grades to take the test,” said teacher Mrs. Kristine Muir.
Last week the students did several practice essays to review just before the state test. Mrs. Phyllis Wood said, “The topics were different for every grade.” To prepare for the test the students reviewed how to write essays, and the eighth and eleventh graders wrote one essay in every class including math and science classes.
Eighth and eleventh graders used a five-paragraph essay form in writing the essays. The students practiced grammar skills and writing skills, and Mrs. Wood said that she thought, “The students did well, and were working hard. They knew how to do concept maps and outlines, and it didn’t look as if they struggled with the test.”
Overall it looks as if the students knew what they were doing and did well on the test. The results will be known in the spring and final in the summer, so both students and school will be able to assess their progress in teaching and learning writing.
