Examined the relationship between students' composition scores and the writers' and raters' perceptions of a given topic: does a student receive a higher score if the rater agrees with the student's thesis? Findings indicated that there are other factors, such as students' attitude and cognitive ability that may affect raters' judgments of student…

Proposes an approach that emphasizes negative, "what did we do wrong?" questions so that technical communicators can obtain useful feedback on documents. Notes that this approach focuses limited resources on areas that need improvement, rather than areas that already work well and that do not require immediate improvement. (RS)

Draws upon a longitudinal study of four undergraduate student writers and focuses on the progress of one of them. Questions assumptions that confuse skills assessment with the measurement of academic and personal development. Argues for a broader view of writing development and a teaching approach that fosters it. (SG)

Shares instructional practices based on narrative and expository texts that will build students' literacy skills and meet many writing assessment demands in the United States. Presents guiding principles for best writing practice, pertinent standards in the English language arts, strategy-based lesson plans, and practical implications for teachers…

Focuses on the kind of assessment that takes place within a classroom context, and therefore looks at assessing, grading, or testing writing, since when educators talk about classroom assessment they talk of grades and tests, at times using all three terms interchangeably. Hopes to draw educators into new conversations about assessment and the…

Outlines the series of decisions involved in selecting and then using sample papers in holistic evaluation. Attempts to make test-developers aware that they have choices to make and that their choices will have serious consequences for student and evaluator alike. (RS)

Explores portfolio assessment as an alternative writing assessment procedure. Provides tips for collecting work and scoring portfolios. (MG)

Discusses a "write-back" strategy for use when there is insufficient class time for conferencing with peers or the teacher. Notes that the teacher agrees to respond to students' drafts within 24 hours. Discusses 3 options available to students: (1) write back/respond; (2) edit; and (3) writing back. (RS)

Describes a successful use of portfolios to assess the development of eleventh grade students' writing skills by inviting self-reflection and encouraging students to assume control over their writing. (KEH)

Describes a 1988 article entitled "Composing as a Woman" as an attempt to reconcile feminist inquiry and composition studies and to persuade composition specialists that the feminist view has a bearing on their field. Explains that a study of the relationship between gender and reading produced a new perspective on student papers. (SG)

Argues that standardized tests can provide limited guidance, in conjunction with student writing samples, in the decision whether students should be exempted from freshmen writing courses. Suggests that students who write well but whose performance is unstable can be affected, positively or negatively, by exemption results. Suggests that students'…

Claims that holistic scoring offers significant advantages over conventional grading systems for: (1) placing students in extra help or enrichment classes; (2) evaluating incoming or transfer students; (3) regrouping existing classroom situations; and (4) providing an expedient measure of writing achievement. (RAE)

The critiquing and evaluating of resumes and cover letters by business people is important to college students. They know before submitting them what employers expect. (JOW)

Presents the position statement of the Conference on College Composition and Communication Executive Committee on writing assessment in both two-year and four-year institutions. Suggests that the primary purpose of the specific assessment should govern its design, its implementation, and the generation and dissemination of its results. Provides…

Responses of 78 of 150 business communication teachers surveyed showed that peer evaluation of writing largely consists of juniors and seniors who use a teacher-developed analytic scale to evaluate fellow students; and 52 percent of teachers consider it effective in improving writing skills and attitudes. (SK)