An Impact Study of the 6+1 Trait Writing Model on Student Achievement

• In Event: Investigating Impact of Literacy Interventions

Abstract

This multisite randomized control trial conducted by the Regional Educational Laboratory Northwest examined the effects of the 6+1 Trait® Writing model on student achievement in writing in 74 Oregon elementary schools. The Trait writing model helps teachers and students analyze writing using a set of writing “traits,” that includes ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions. In the one-year implementation of the writing model, grade 5 teachers received on-going staff development that focused on providing writing instruction and assessment strategies that could be integrated into whatever curricular strategies currently being used in the classroom. Results of the study showed that the 6+1 Trait® Writing model caused a statistically significant increase in student writing scores during the experimental year.

Authors

• Richard H. Smiley, Education Northwest

• Michael T. Coe

• Vicki M. Nishioka, Education Northwest

• Makoto Hanita, Education Northwest