Differentiated InstructionRAFT Writing

In this presentation we will cover…• What is RAFT writing?

• What makes RAFT writing good differentiation?

• What are some examples of RAFT writing?

• How can I assess RAFT writing?

• How can I employ RAFT writing?

• 2 Practice Activities

What is RAFT Writing?

•Role•Audience•Format•Topic

What is RAFT writing?

•RAFT writing is a technique by which teachers can determine students’ understanding of key concepts, facts, or other material through creative writing.

•For example, a teacher might ask students to write newspaper article (format) about the 2008 election (topic) through the eyes of a reporter (role) aimed at elementary school students (audience).

What makes RAFT writing good differentiation?

•RAFT writing allows the teacher to gauge students’ knowledge and understanding (KU of the KUD) of a particular topic.

•Additionally, a RAFT assignment may also require that the student DO something, such as research (D of the KUD).

What makes RAFT writing good differentiation?

• RAFT writing allows a teacher to produce many different combinations that match the interests and ability levels of his/her students, each of which covers the same topic.

• Or, a teacher can use different topics from the same subject matter and keep the role, audience, and format the same.

• Structured flexibility is what makes it such a good differentiation technique.

What are examples of RAFT writing?Role Audience Format Topic

African American 3rd grader today

MLK Letter Here are three ways you have made my life better today. Here is how life used to be and why things are better now.

3rd grade teacher

Your students

Timeline

Use the timeline to teach your class the important events in MLK’s life, and their significance

MLK in 1963 Himself Journal What have I done and what does it mean? Am I making a difference?

Publisher 3rd grade students

Social studies textbook

Choose three important events from MLK’s life for this chapter in the new book. Illustrate them and write about their significance.

Source: The Differentiated School: Making Revolutionary Changes in Teaching and Learning (2008) by Tomlinson, Brimijoin, and Narvaez, page 198.

How can I assess RAFT writing?

•Dr. Brimijoin has provided us a rubric.

•Naturally, feel free to make adjustments as you deem appropriate.

How can I assess RAFT writing?4 3 2 1

Accuracy Information details in RAFT always accurate and properly reflects information, ideas, and themes related to the subject

The information you provide in RAFT is accurate but could use more support

The information you provide in RAFT has some inaccuracies or omissions

The information you provide in RAFT is incomplete and/or inaccurate

Perspective

RAFT maintains clear, consistent point of view, tone and ideas relevant to role played; ideas and information always tied to role and audience

You explain how your character would feel about the event(s)

You show little insight into how your character would feel or act during the event(s)

You do not accurately develop your characters, thoughts, or reactions to the event(s)

4 3 2 1

Focus RAFT stays on topic, never drifts from required form or type; details and information are included that are pertinent only to developed purpose

You spend most of the RAFT discussing issues on topic, but occasionally stray from the focus

You spend some time discussing issues off topic

Most of your RAFT is spent on issues that do not directly deal with the RAFT you chose

Class Time

You use class time appropriately to research the era and create well-written stories

You seldom need to be reminded to get back on task

You use library and computer time to do work for other classes and/or chat with friends or lounge on couches

You treat research time as an open period. You can be seen chatting with friends and hanging out on the couches

Mechanics Essay contains few to no fragments, run-on sentences; rare errors or mechanical mistakes; writing is fluent

Essay contains some fragments, run-ons, or other errors; occasional mechanical mistakes; writing generally clear

Essay contains several sentence errors, mechanical mistakes that may interfere with ideas or clarity of ideas in writing

Essay is marred by numerous errors and/or mechanical mistakes

Practice #1

•Here is a chance for you to write. Take 5 minutes to complete the following RAFT

Role Audience Format Topic

Curriculum Specialist

High School Teachers

Advice Column How you can engage all levels of writers using RAFT

Practice #1 (Write here)

How can I employ RAFT writing?

2nd Grade3 Little PigsAlgebra Beowulf Chemistry Civil RightsEnglish

Feudal PyramidFractions French Geometry Parts of SpeechPlantsSimple Machines

Dr. Brimijoin has given us plenty of examples of RAFT exercises for different subject areas:

How can I employ RAFT writing?•Your turn to brainstorm!

•If you have not done so already, try to think of one simple KUD that meets the needs of your curriculum.

How can I employ RAFT writing? (Practice #2)

•Write a RAFT activity that meets the following criteria:

•It matches the KUD•It offers variety (at least 3 choices)•It accounts for different ability levels

Practice #2

• K:

• U:

• D

*If you do not have a KUD, you may borrow one from a colleague or use the example on the next slide.

Practice #2 – Sample KUD

• K: Elements of quality writing Terms: prejudice, peaceful protest, civil rights MLK Jr.

-Childhood-Contributions

-Peaceful protest movement-Equal rights for everyone-”I Have a Dream” speech

• U: Prejudice can alter how we see and judge people. It is possible to reduce prejudice through peaceful means. Every individual is unique and worthy of respect. Sometimes standing up for what we know is right may be difficult.

• D: Gather information and determine key events in MLK’s life. Analyze the importance of key events in MLK’s life. Draw conclusions. Share conclusions in writing. Use correct grammar and spelling when writing. Meet deadlines.

Practice #2

Role Audience Format Topic