1. CHAPTER 14: Assessing Written Expression
Assessing Students with Special Needs
Fifth Edition
John J. Venn
University of North Florida
© 2014, 2007, 2004 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

2. Overview Definition Curriculum-based procedures
Linking assessment with instruction
Curriculum-based measurement
Written Language Profile
Norm-referenced testing

3. Overview Expression of ideas and feelings in written form
Many students with disabilities have difficulty with written expression
A critical skill for academic success in school and vocational success in adult life

4. Why do we assess written language?
Overview
Why do we assess written language?
To identify present levels of performance
To pinpoint priorities for writing skill development
To plan intervention programs
To monitor progress

5. Linking Assessment with Instruction
Brainstorming
Interviews
Journals
Think-Alouds and Think-Afters
Observations
Informal tests

6. Curriculum-Based Measurement- Writing
CBM-W provides a standardized way to
identify struggling writers
Monitor progress when providing instructional intervention and support
Effective indicators of performance and progress using
Scores from brief writing, weekly probes

7. Curriculum-Based Measurement- Writing

8. Written Language Profile
An informal, curriculum-based assessment tool to
Assess student abilities
Guide instructional planning
Measure student progress

9. Written Language Profile
Written Language Profile measures
Fluency
Average Thought Units
Vocabulary Diversity
Structure
Organization

10. Written Language Profile
Collect three samples over a period of 2–3 weeks to get an accurate measure.
Samples should be 75–100 words long; three 5 to 10 minute time samples work well.
Young writers and less experienced writers need the longer time.

11. Norm-Referenced Assessment
Representative Norm-Referenced Writing Tests
Test of Written Language, Fourth Edition
Test of Written Expression
Test of Early Written Language, Third Edition
Written Expression Scale

12. Test of Written Language, Fourth Edition
Norm-referenced, individually-administered diagnostic test
Measures spontaneous and contrived writing skills
Takes 60 to 90 minutes to give to students ages 9-17
Helps pinpoint present levels of performance develop instruction, and plan intervention activities

13. Summary
Assessment guides the process of helping students develop written expression skills
In instructional settings teacher most often rely on curriculum-based procedures
More formal tests provide standardized measures for identifying, diagnosing, and measuring written language skills