Writing Traits Adapted for Math
In order for our students to become good writers, we need to include writing in all disciplines. It is critical for students to understand the importance of good writing whenever writing is requested. In order to support writing across the curriculum, I worked on making the 6 writing traits correspond with mathematical education, specifically constructed/open response or problem-solving. To make the writing traits second nature to students, the traits need to be used frequently and scored with fidelity. Unfortunately, math teachers have historically been left out of the writing process, which I feel is a huge mistake. Students in math classes should be practicing functional writing in order to express their ideas in an organized and interesting manner. To support the work of writing teachers, I have modified 4 of the 6 traits to apply directly to a written response of a mathematical problem, situation, project, or task: ideas/content development including persuasion, voice, organization, and conventions. I combined word choice and sentence fluency into the four traits above so they do not have their own rubric.
Each rubric below has specific language to describe good mathematical writing. In each rubric there are some sentences that are underlined and bolded. These are descriptors in student-friendly language. All of these student-friendly descriptors are listed on the quick post-it page for each of the four traits. These quick post-its can be printed on post-its or cut and affixed to student writing for students to assess one another or to assess their own work. Organization has an additional page of good writing leads. I think it is important for students to learn how to draw in a reader in a most interesting manner while still generating reflective thinking.
I highly recommend that teachers work on each trait separately and score only one trait at a time when grading and providing feedback. If you would like to see some math lessons using these writing traits, please go to www.writingfix.com/WAC/numberfix.htm.
Ideas/Content Development and Persuasion
Organization
Voice
Conventions