Pilot Test of the "School Study of Writing Instruction": A Self-Study Needs Assessment Instrument. A Product of the Kentucky State Project: Designing Professional Development for Portfolio Improvement

One of the mandates of the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990 is that students develop a writing portfolio. Ultimately, schools must elevate the average performance level of students' portfolios to the benchmark of "proficient." During site visits to 29 schools, 34 indicators were identified that differentiated writing scores and programs in continuously improving schools from those in continuously declining schools. A self-study needs assessment instrument--the School Study of Writing Instruction--was developed for schools to assess their needs relative to the indicators. The instrument has four operational stages: conducting interviews with teachers, students, and administrators; writing a report framed around the 34 indicators; using the report in a faculty-wide session to rate the school on the indicators; and using the ratings to set priorities and plan actions for improvement of the writing program. This report describes the pilot testing of the instrument in one small Kentucky elementary school and the testing of parts of it by a few other entities. The pilot test assessed the value of the self-study for schools, the level of external facilitator assistance needed by schools, and the validity and reliability of the instrument. The self-study was successful for the pilot-test school, which was attributed to a faculty sense of ownership and to the school's customizing of the instrument. The whole process was completed in 5 weeks. Facilitator assistance was critical but was not needed constantly. Revisions are proposed to minimize threats to the instrument's validity and reliability. Appendices include parts of the instrument and evaluation materials. (Contains 21 references.) (SV)