It would be a great help if every teacher of
Sophomores, even in mix-level classes where Sophomores sit, to discuss this event to some
degree. The discussion needs to be supportive and informative. Students have
said that they want help with how to take the WASL.
In the next few days, for about 5 minutes a day:
- Discuss the "reading WASL answer needs." Tell kids (write up on the
board and GO OVER VERBALLY) the following in some capacity
- For 2 part answers, answer both parts (don't laugh)
- Sample from OSPI: Contrast how the postal service was paid for in the 1800s with how it is paid for today. Include two details from the selection in your response.
- Another OSPI Sample: If Apu or Coh (characters in a story) were to find another fine piece of wood in the future, what would probably happen? Provide information from the story to support your prediction.
- What MOST kids do
-Students tend to answer one part or the other of the question. They'll write a lot about the easy part of the answer and hope no one will notice they're missing the rest. They do notice.
-Students also give supporting details that are fewer than is asked of them AND/OR the details do NOT support their answer or are not directly from the text. - WHAT KIDS NEED TO DO
-STAY FOCUSED ON THE QUESTION!!
-GET INTO THE ANSWER, PROVIDE THE REQUIRED AMOUNT OF DETAILS AND GET OUT.
-A WELL WRITTEN RESPONSE THAT IS NOT ON TOPIC DOES NOT EARN ANY POINTS. ALSO, IF IT FAILS TO INCLUDE DETAILS, IT WILL GET ZERO POINTS.
-SPELLING AND GRAMMAR ISSUES DO NOT APPLY FOR THE READING WASL. DON'T WORRY ABOUT THEM. Both spelling and grammar do count on the writing WASL.
-STAY IN THE BOX, WRITE LEGIBLY. IF A RESPONSE IS WRITTEN OUTSIDE THE BOX OR IS TOO HARD TO READ, YOU'LL RECEIVE A LOWER SCORE.
- For 2 part answers, answer both parts (don't laugh)
- WASL IDEA 1
Include in your final, a WASL style question where a two-part question has been asked and a response to both parts is required. - WASL IDEA 2
DAILY, Pop up a reminder on your overhead or board where a WASL style question is being asked, in your content area, and as a class you discuss how to respond. Please write out the answer so they can visualize what it would look like. Many kids ask, "How would I start this answer?" - WASL IDEA 3
Use terms from next page to create your own 2 PART QUESTIONS for every day.