Demonstrating Mastery in 7th Grade ELA

7th Grade ELA

David Bruder

Problem Identified: We needed a way to allow students to incorporate relevant upgrade work into their intensive periods without having to go back to semester one assignments and simply add or re-do them.

Hypothesis: If students are provided different platforms for demonstrating mastery on a more relevant classroom topic, then students will successfully activate reading and writing skills as measured by learning outcomes and rubrics.

Data Collection:

• Ally, Jayleen, Leila = iMovie American Dream production

• Angel & Logan = Blog with student work represented

• Musashi = Blog with student work represented

• Annmarie = Narrative writing sample about family history/American Dream

• Actionable Step: “Here’s how to use this strategy in your classroom tomorrow….”

Students could be provided a menu of options related to upgrade-skills. Students who need to upgrade narrative assignments could produce a video, podcast, or story. Students looking to improve informational or argumentative writing could produce a documentary or blog about a current event.

Overall Findings/Impact: For the purpose of upgrade work, the assignments felt successful. It’s not something we could do too frequently, as the projects take a while to complete and detract from independent reading time in intensives. However, 2-3 times per year, the upgrade sessions feel helpful.