Writing Component Summary

Overview of Text-Dependent Writing (TDW) Component

• Starting in 2024-2025, SC READY includes a Text-Dependent Writing (TDW) item in its assessments.
• Students will read passages and respond to prompts using the text for evidence.
• Grade-specific tasks:
  • Grades 3-4: Narrative TDW item
  • Grades 5-6: Argumentative TDW item
  • Grades 7-8: Argumentative or Informative TDW item

Writer's Checklist

• Embedded Writer's Checklist is provided to assist students in planning, writing, and proofreading.
• Available for both online and paper testing.

Scoring Rubrics

• TDW items are scored using a holistic rubric with scores ranging from 1 (lowest) to 4 (highest).
• Rubrics available:
  • Grades 3-4: "To Convey an Experience"
  • Grades 5-6: "To Persuade"
  • Grades 7-8: "To Inform" and "To Persuade"

Professional Learning Resources

• Purpose: Provide equitable access to TDW-related learning across the state.
• Resources: Videos, recordings, and documents on instructional support.
• Highlighted Resources:
  • ELA Sample Release Items for instruction alignment.
  • Narrative and Argumentative Writing sessions.
  • Informative Writing training for Grades 6-English 2.

General Support

• Webinars and FAQs:
  • Transitioning from Text-Dependent Analysis (TDA) to TDW.
  • FAQs addressing SC READY and EOCEP assessments.
  • Online Tools Training (OTT) for practice with online testing.

Sample TDW Items

• Release Schedule:
  • 2024-2025: Grades 3, 6, and 8 TDW items
  • 2025-2026: Grades 4, 5, and 7 TDW items

Assessment Specifications

• Purpose: Define SC READY ELA assessment content and guide educators.
• Documents: Color-coded visual aids available for print.
• Webinar: Guidance on using the specifications for instruction.

Contact Information

• Office of Assessment and Standards: West Columbia, SC
  • Phone: 803-734-8298
• ELA Contacts:
  • Grades 3-6: Deema Abu Abdo (803-734-1447)
  • Grades 7-8 & English 2: Rebecca Rundlett (803-734-8372)
• Accessibility Commitment: Assistance available for users with disabilities.

Additional Resources

• SC READY Assessments:
  • National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
  • Math, ELA, and Science Test Data
  • Performance Levels and Test Items
• Online Presence: Social media and contact information for further assistance.