Tier II Writing Intervention

The Powell Language Arts Department is about to assume a new leadership role. We were the first department to align curricular essentials. We were the first to design a department rubric for writing instruction. We will be the first to tackle the arduous task of designing systematic interventions. I would like to applaud the work of Ben Lacey and Melissa Toland, our talented stewards in this undertaking, the teachers of our current LA Standards Programs.

On October 22nd, 2009, I would like to propose that we follow the Root Analysis Problem-Solving Model, outlined in Understanding Response to Intervention: A Practical Guide to Systemic Implementation by Robert Howell, Sandra Powell and Margaret Deiotte. The steps will seem familar to you:

• Define the problem: Break down a problem into its subskills.
• Gather data and evidence
• Analyze data
• Develop and implement intervention plan(s)
• Chart student growth
• Evaluate and adjust intervention plan(s)
• Review for trends

On September 30th, I will provide both seventh and eighth grade PLCs with a list of students who are currently enrolled in our LA Standards classes. For our sixth grade low-performing writers, I will trust that Lauri and Sandra have these students earmarked already. Please informally and formally begin to collect data on these students.