Identifying Indicators of Written Expression Proficiency for Middle School Students

In this study we examined the reliability and validity of various growth indicators in written expression for middle school students. In addition, we examined the effects of type and duration of writing on the validity and reliability of the growth indicators. Students ( N = 112) in Grades 7 and 8 composed two story writing and two descriptive writing pieces. For each sample, students wrote for 3 and 5 minutes. The most reliable and valid predictor of student writing proficiency as measured by both teacher ratings and a district writing test was correct minus incorrect word sequences. No differences were found related to type or duration of writing.