Using Benchmark Papers to Teach Writing With the Traits: Grades 3-5: Student Writing Samples With Scores and Explanations, Model Lessons, and ... and Editing Skills

by Ruth Culham

Trait expert Ruth Culham has created a diverse set of papers grades 3-5, assessed  and annotated them, and designed an interactive whiteboard CD of exemplars so teachers and students can use them as the focus of trait-based writing instruction.   The papers are highlighted by key quality for each trait, making it easy for writers to see what works and what doesn't by simply pressing the color-coded buttons at the bottom of each projected paper on the white board.  Can be used with overhead projectors as well.

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Ruth Culham, aka The Trait Lady, is the president of The Culham Writing Company and former Unit Manager of the Assessment Program at Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (recently renamed Education Northwest) in Portland, Oregon.

She is the recognized expert in the traits of writing assessment field and author of numerous professional resources published by Scholastic, including 6+1 Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide, Grades 3 and Up; 6+1 Traits of Writing for the Primary Grades; Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide for Middle School, and Using Picture Books to Teach Writing with the Traits.

As a pioneering researcher in this field, she creates and conducts teacher workshops and videos, designs national and international institutes for writing assessment and instruction, and provides professional development to teachers at local and district levels.

Ruth was named Teacher of the Year in Montana, the highlight of her 19-year teaching career. Ruth holds specialty degrees in Library Science and Elementary, Middle, and Secondary English Education. She has a Masters degree in Teaching English and an Ed.D. in Educational Administration.

from http://ruthculham.wordpress.com/about/