Objective: Students will be clear on the purpose, audience, length, and other expectations in their writing assignments when provided with sufficient guidance.

Teacher Takeaways: a) Provide interesting topics that offer some choice so students feel some ownership of the assignment. b) Specify the assignment's purpose and expectations including structure, length, and how much detail is expected. c) Clarify the audience. This guides the student on the formality of the writing. Students who are used to texting might need added reinforcement of expectations for formal writing versus communicating with friends. d) Provide instructions aloud as well as written, and opportunity for students to ask questions. e) Use active, specific words for what you want the student to do. "Analyze," "Compare," "Persuade," and "Explain," in contrast to the simple, "Write about..."

Teacher Notes: Writing is one of the most personal and open-ended tasks we ask of students. If they misunderstand the expectations after putting forth effort, they could take it personally and be more hesitant to write next time.

OER Resource: Checklists & Rubrics (Digital Promise Learner Variability Project)