1. Narrative and Response to Literature Genres
K-5 ELA Module 1 Training
Understanding the K-5 ELA Vertical Alignment
Narrative and Response to Literature Genres
CHAPTER 4: Linking the GPS W2 to the Writing Assessment, the Third Grade Rubric, Alignment Activity
Suggested time for this part is minutes.

2. Linking the GPS to Assessment
GPS Review:
Backwards Design Approach
Performance-Based Assessment
Rubrics for Evaluation and Teaching
This module was created to reflect the backwards design approach. First of all we begin with Standards. Then we go to Assessment. Finally, we consider Instruction. Strategies for teaching the Standards/Elements are woven throughout the module.
We will briefly touch on formal assessment today. We will spend more time on informal assessment during the second module in the spring.

3. Third Grade Writing Assessment
Assessment is similar to 5th Grade State Writing Test.
Third Grade writing portfolios include pieces from all four genres.
Writing samples are scored using the State Rubric, which measures Ideas, Organization, Style, and Conventions.
The fifth and third grade assessments are similar in that students should be assessed on what they can do independently—or in how they can apply what they have learned from experiences in the classroom.
Here are some specifics about the Third Grade Assessment so that everyone can understands what happens in third grade.

4. Third Grade Narrative Rubric
You have a copy in your participant guide.
Let’s consider the domains of Ideas, Organization, and Style.
Each domain has its own components.
Now take a look at ELA3W2 for Narrative, which is next in your guide.
Note to presenter: You may want to guide participants through looking at the 3rd Grade Rubric (showing the domains and components).
The reason we are not focusing today on conventions is because the current W1 Standard is heavy in conventions/skills and not ideas/content (as is the new W2).

5. Group Discussion about Rubric
Decide which narrative element applies to each component of the Third Grade Rubric.
In the table section above 3W2, record the element that is associated with each rubric component.
Refer to the example completed for you on the table.
Once your group has completed the table, discuss the purpose of doing this activity.
Note to presenter: You may want to say that Narrative elements from W2 can be associated with more than one component of the Third Grade Rubric. Teachers may work as partners or in small groups for this activity. Allow five minutes for this matching correlation and five minutes for whole group sharing.
Make sure that the group discusses the purpose of doing this activity. Add that the Third Grade Assessment is more specifically aligned with new Standard/Elements, whereas it was not previously (if someone does not make this observation).

6. Resources Writing Assessment and Instructional Guide
Assessment, Teaching, and Learning Materials for Third Grade
This is a wonderful resource available on the GADOE website that will help with the teaching and learning of the genres. There is also a Writing Assessment and Instructional Guide for Fifth Grade with similar materials.

7. Assessment/Instructional Guide Includes:
Definitions of genres
Methods of teaching specific to genres
Types of writing specific to genres
Examples of student work samples that Meet/Exceed Standards w/commentary
Charts to help with teaching students
Other tips about teaching genres
Modifications for other grades
This third grade information can be tweaked for 1st and 2nd grades. It is also good background for the 4th grade teachers if they have students who are struggling with writing and need scaffolding.

8. Link to 3rd Grade Writing Assessment Page
Link to Other Rubrics (K-5) for All Genres
Here’s the link for the 3rd (and 5th) Writing Assessment and Instructional Guides. Also, if you or your school is interested in developing rubrics for the different genres in K-2 that will support the Third Grade Rubric, then feel free to check out the examples on our website. Many schools and systems have already developed rubrics that they are using. You might use these when developing your own for teaching and learning. Just remember that your rubrics (including those on our website) will need to be correlated to the new W2 Standard.
Note to presenter: Make sure that teachers use an underscore whenever there is a space between words in a link.