Three different scoring systems are described; these systems are widely used for evaluating students' writing samples. A new model for scoring is presented by comparing and contrasting that model with the other systems. A pilot study of the new model for writing-sample items, scoring keys, and scoring guidelines is discussed. The pilot study was…

Two kinds of instruments, atomistic versus holistic, offer different approaches to the grading of writing. This paper briefly discusses the pros and cons of these two philosophies of grading. In addition, the paper presents a holistic, primary-trait scoring instrument that has been used successfully to judge editorials by breaking down the…

The effect of different types of rating task instructions on rater behavior was examined using experts, as opposed to novices, as raters. The experts were instructed to (1) form a global categorical judgment (early hypothesis generation); (2) assess 19 detailed elements; or (3) both. Subjects were 8 dental faculty members who ranged in age from 28…

A phenomenological approach was used in a study of three assessment strategies for the evaluation of journals written by speech communication students: (1) analytic assessment strategy; (2) primary trait assessment strategy; and (3) holistic assessment strategy. Completed question-and-answer packets, consisting of 8 to 12 diaries each, written by…

Summarizes and evaluates the major direct methods of assessing writing ability (holistic scoring, analytical scoring, and primary trait scoring) and the most popular indirect methods of predicting students' ability to write (T-unit analysis and a variety of published standardized tests). (EKN)

The question of what variables affect success in debate has long been an area of interest and concern in the forensic community. For many years, it was thought that traditional performance variables--delivery, reasoning, organization, analysis, refutation and use of evidence--were the key factors influencing evaluations of debaters. Some…

This study explored the use of analytic and holistic modes of processing in the recognition of emotional expressions as discrete and global categories. Five- and seven-year-olds and adults were presented with a series of slides that showed different parts of faces depicting either happiness, surprise, fear, or anger. Slides ranged from single…

In response to growing concern about the lack of basic writing skills, this paper presents an overview of the issues involved in selecting a method for the assessment of students' writing skills. After general criteria for determining the appropriateness of a writing evaluation procedure are outlined, the merits and limitations of objective tests…

A study was conducted to obtain descriptive data on whether a student is aware of an audience when writing, what students perceive as the purpose of a persuasive writing assignment, and what steps comprise their writing process. Approximately 500 tenth grade student essays, prompted by an assignment based on the theme of the literature the class…

This paper proposes a comprehensive approach to program evaluation and suggests employing a number of methods in evaluating a program. Exclusive allegiance to one school of thought and adoption of one particular technique leads to limited comprehension about programs, and hence their evaluations. If evaluation is viewed as a process by which…

Holistic evaluation is a reliable, valid, and cost-effective alternative to the usual mechanical assessment of writing. Writing samples are scored on a five-point scale against an overall impression of development, organization, and coherentness. The method was applied to the Communication Activities Skills Project (CASP) for grades 3-12. Writing…

This paper explains the construction of a grading rubric that is designed to empower students with expectations of quality work. Teachers and students "negotiate" a mutually acceptable consensus. The contract process is based on the idea that when students feel they are valued participants in the assessment process, they become motivated to strive…

Noting that improvement in rater reliability means eliminating differences among raters, this paper discusses ways to assess writing evaluator reliability and methods for achieving higher levels of interrater reliability. After showing that reliability can be improved two ways--by increasing the number of raters or measurements made, and by…

To help school districts comply with basic skills legislation, the California State Department of Education developed sample writing exercises and scoring guides. The exercises were modeled after Kinneavy's three categories of discourse: expressive--writer oriented; explanatory--subject oriented; and persuasive--audience oriented. The minimum…

To come closer to the full "face to face" expression of writing consistent with the intention of the holistic movement, a study investigated the writing attitudes of first year writing students. Subjects, 70 students in the developmental writing group, 77 in the middle ability group, and 68 in the advanced writing group enrolled in…