Why 6 +1 Traits® of Writing

The 6 +1 Traits® of Writing model is used throughout the United States and the world. It has become a highly respected, essential tool for evaluating student writing and planning instruction. Ruth Culham is the primary author and expert on the 6 +1 Traits® of Writing. Currently, she is the unit manager for the assessment program at Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL) in Portland, Oregon. Prior to joining NWREL, Ruth was a classroom teacher for 19 years.

The core of the 6 +1 Trait® Writing Model of Instruction & Assessment is a set of rubrics that specify how to assess the quality of student writing and tailor instruction to students’ needs.

The K–2 rubrics support teachers and students as they are starting to write, creating classroom writing processes, building a common vocabulary, and establishing a vision for good writing.

The 3–12 rubrics are used in late second or third grades and into higher grade levels to maintaining uniformity in educational communication and common formative assessment.

The rubrics are field tested, research-based, and teacher friendly. The latest versions, released in summer 2014, are designed for easier use across text types (i.e., informative/explanatory, argument, and narrative writing). Please see the 6 +1 Traits® of Writing rubrics (K-2 and 3-12) by clicking the links above. 

Teachers

These rubrics are a resource, designed to help teachers develop a deeper understanding of how to enhance student learning through writing and align all content area writing to Common Core Standards.

Parents

The writing rubrics are a helpful tool for parents to develop a better understanding how writing is aligned to learning standards. Similarly, using a common language to discuss writing with students is an essential part of student writing success.
 

6 +1 Traits® of Writing in Middle School and High School at Northeast Range

A modified version of the 6 +1 Traits® of Writing will be used by students in grades 7-12 for writing in all subjects. English Language Arts teachers will guide students through the process of using the 6 +1 Traits to become effective and efficient writers for all styles of writing required across content areas as well as for future academic and employment purposes.

Students will use the NER Student version of the 6 +1 Traits® of Writing Rubric (link below) for writing projects in all classes.
 
Students will use the NER Self and Peer Editing Rubric (link below) in classes where teachers require self and peer evaluations of writing projects.

For more detailed information by Ruth Culham on the 6+1 Traits® visit: http://educationnorthwest.org/traits

If you have questions about the 6 +1 Traits® of Writing please contact your student’s teacher or Mrs. Kaufenberg.

Northeast Range 6 +1 Traits® of Writing Rubrics