Principals’ Session:
Identifying CCSS Aligned
Instruction in Writing
EngageNY.org
Purpose of this Session
• Participants will be able to:
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Identify instructional strategies that are
consistent with effective implementation of
writing curriculum aligned to the Common Core
State Standards
Support the use of evidence guides as a tool to
identify CCSS aligned practices in the ELA
classroom
Gather evidence while observing a lesson using
the instructional/evidence guides
Provide feedback based on evidence to improve
CCSS aligned writing instruction
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Welcome
• Using the World Café Protocol, debrief the
writing session. Focus on the following
questions:
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What did I hear during the session that was a
new idea or concept that reflects high quality
writing instruction?
What did I learn from the session that will provide
a focus for my classroom walkthroughs?
What questions do I have after attending the
session that will deepen my understanding of
CCSS aligned writing instruction?
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Developing Expectations for
Instructional Practice in Writing
• Successful implementation of quality writing
aligned to the CCSS will require shifts in
instructional practice and expectations.
• Standards-aligned curriculum alone will not
ensure fidelity; successful implementation is
also dependent on teacher practice.
• Principals must have tools that focus on
aligned practice and provide consistency.
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Understanding the Role of
Evidence Guides
• Aligns with the Common Core State Standards
• Provides specific and measurable practices
• Leads to appropriate alignment of
expectations across the system
• Enables evidence of teacher practice and
student work to be gathered and
communicated
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Using Evidence Guides to Assess
Instruction
• View the video of a 9th
grade English class.
• Use the Instructional
Practice Evidence Guide
to assess the lesson
based on the three core
principals of CCSS
alignment.
• Be sure to assess both
what the teacher is doing
as well as the students.
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Video: Writing Soliloquies
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/writing-soliloquies
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Talk about it!
• In groups, debrief the video discussing the
evidence collected. Focus on the following
questions:

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Which instructional strategies outlined in the
Instructional Practice Evidence Guide were
reflected in the classroom practice?
What information from the writing session
informed your thinking as you viewed the video?
Based on the evidence collected, what feedback
would you provide the teacher to better align the
writing instruction to the CCSS in future
lessons?
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Using Evidence Guides to Assess
Instruction
• View the video of a 12th
grade English class.
• Use the Instructional
Practice Evidence Guide to
assess aligned writing
instruction to the CCSS.
• As watch the video, reflect
on the differences between
the two lessons.
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Video: High School Writing Lesson Idea
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/high-school-writing-lesson-idea
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Talk about it!
• In groups, debrief the video discussing the evidence
collected. Focus on the following questions:




Which instructional strategies outlined in the Instructional
Practice Evidence Guide were reflected in the classroom
practice?
What information from the writing session informed your
thinking as you viewed the video?
Which core focus areas were well aligned in the lesson?
Based on the evidence collected for both videos, was one
lesson more strongly aligned to the CCSS?
How does the Instructional Practice Evidence Guide inform
your thinking around strong CCSS alignment?
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Implications for School Leaders
• What opportunities exist to use the Instructional
Practice Evidence Guide in supporting both
teachers and leaders in assessing level of
implementation?
• How does the Instructional Practice Evidence
Guide frame your classroom visits, guiding you
in ensuring the writing lesson is well aligned?
• What are the potential challenges to using the
tool?
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Reflecting on Next Steps
• What action steps will you take at your school
based on today’s learning?
• Who do you need to involve at your school to
support your action steps?
• What additions, deletions, or refinements
should you make to your Building Capacity for
the Work template?
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Q&A
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Online Parking Lot
Please go to
www.engageny.org/resource/network-teaminstitute-materials-february-4-7-2014
and select “Online Parking Lot” for any
NYSED related questions.
Thank You!
CONFIDENTIAL – DO NOT CIRCULATE
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Plus/Deltas
Please go to
http://www.engageny.org/resource/networkteam-institute-materials-february-4-7-2014
and fill out the Plus/Delta for today’s session.
Thank You!
CONFIDENTIAL – DO NOT CIRCULATE
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