NEW FSAPS WRITING CURRICULUM

Fulton Science Academy Private School utilizes a standardized, school-wide approach to writing. Our goal is to ensure we are producing successful writers across all subject areas. This curriculum begins as early as Kindergarten and will continue throughout high school grades. 

Reading and language arts teachers are utilizing the Write Source curriculum, one that supports Common Core writing standards. Through this curriculum, students will learn to master the writing process, understand key writing forms, and be able to identify valuable traits of a successful writer. Emphasis will also be placed on grammar, usage, and mechanics.

Our long-term vision at FSAPS is one where, as our students evolve, each successive grade will deepen their knowledge, understanding, and practical usage of the writing process. Higher standards will be expected from students as they reach upper grades and their knowledge and understanding of the writing process expands. These same key writing concepts will be addressed in all school-wide subject areas, including math, science, art, music, connections classes, etc. 

Elementary students will be introduced to the Write Source curriculum during their reading and language arts instruction time. Much like our middle and high school students, elementary students will also be asked to write and apply their understanding of the writing process in subjects other than merely language arts. In doing so, children will have an opportunity to embrace the value of how writing applies to all of their subjects. Our goal is to establish high writing standards from an early age and provide a strong foundation for the children to build upon as they grow.

When students enter middle school, each of their teachers—math, science, as well as connection classes—will use Write Source resources to present and assess all of their written work. This includes research papers, Science Fair essays, lab reports, etc. Examples of Write Source in action at the middle school level includes drafting, peer conferencing, revising/editing checklists, and common rubrics. Common rubrics allow teachers to assess student work based on the quality of their ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions. These standardized expectations train students to consider these traits in many different types of writing and continuously produce the best work possible.

In addition to learning the writing process (and benefitting from common assessments), middle school students will be expected to adhere to MLA (Modern Language Association) standards in any of their formal writing assignments. They will begin to learn the basics of MLA in fifth grade and, by seventh grade, will be expected to turn in all of their major essays using this format.

While our school is known for its excellence in math and science, our goal is to graduate well-rounded, articulate students who also possess strong writing skills. We want to ensure that all of our students can communicate effectively in a 21st century world. It is their right, and our privilege to do so.