State Standards

State Standards for the Writing Process in Kindergarten

Writing Genre

Students will…

Write a brief personal narrative using pictures, words, word-like clusters, and/or sentences as support.

Writing Process:

Students will….

Draft focused ideas using semi-phonetic spelling to represent narrative and informational text when writing, incorporating pictures and drawings.

Personal Style

Students will…

Develop originality in oral, written, and visual messages in both narrative (e.g., natural language, expressed sentiment, original ideas) and informational writing (e.g., listing, naming, describing).

Spelling

Students will….

In the context of writing, correctly spell a small number (about 18) of frequently encountered and personally meaningful words.

In the context of writing, correctly spell less frequently encountered words, relying on structural cues (beginning and simpler ending sounds) and environmental sources (word wall, word lists).


State Technology Standards for PK-2   

1.      Use a variety of digital tools (e.g., word processors, drawing tools, simulations, presentation software, graphical organizers) to learn, create, and convey original ideas or illustrate concept. 

2.   Interact with Internet based resources.

Formative Assessment for English Language Arts and Technology Kindergarten

The state standards for English Language Arts and Technology for kindergarten drove the assessment piece that I developed integrating the iPad.  The result of the formative assessment is intended to drive the instruction for the educator.   Depending on the child’s abilities, a plethora of applications for the iPad have been provided to help improve student achievement.  Technology provides a multi-sensory platform in which students can be assessed as well as develop and master essential skills as directed by the Michigan Department of Education.  Integrating technology as part of the assessment and instruction process also allows the teacher to meet state technology standards as well as English Language Arts standards.

The initial assessment is formative and will allow the teacher to determine a starting point for instruction for each student.  The results of the assessment will help the teacher determine appropriate lessons to best meet the student’s needs.  The information derived can also be helpful in eligibility for additional lessons as part of the Response to Intervention model.

Formative Assessment

Teachers will want to assess each student individually.  Students will be presented with a writing activity that will serve as an assessment tool for both writing and technology.  The teacher will ask students to use their iPads to write two sentences about themselves.  Before the task is presented or after, students will need basic instruction on how to use the Note feature of the iPad, including the format of the keyboard.  Upon completion, the teacher will be able to analyze the student’s writing piece to determine instructional needs.  Students can record what they wrote using Garageband (Free).  There is also and application called Smack Talk ($1.29)for the iPhone, iTouch, or iPad where students can talk and an animated animal will repeat what was said.  There is the facility to record.  This is an excellent way for educators to link writing with fluency.  Etch a Sketch ($1.29) is an application that allows students to write and draw.  This is a good tool for students who are unable to write words and/or sentences independently.  They could draw a picture and still narrate their illustration using Garageband. 

Summative Assessment

A summative assessment for students incorporates the use of the IWrite application available for all iPod touch devices.  WritePad is a text editing software that allows users to input text utilizing handwriting recognition software for cursive, print, or mixed handwriting styles. A stylus for iPhone or iPod Touch such as True Touch Stylus Pen ($5.95) from hdaccessory.com

The teacher will want to assess students again after instruction has been implemented based on the results of the formative assessment.  Students will repeat the steps of the formative assessment but will include the use of the IWrite application. Students will require instruction from the teacher on how to use the application as well as practice prior to administering the assessment.

Grade Level Content Expectations

Details of the Michigan state standards