Interactive Writing in the Disciplines: A Common Core Approach to Disciplinary Writing in Middle and High School

Abstract

In this article we argue that interactive writing (IW), an approach to writing instruction, is uniquely supportive of secondary content-area teachers working to integrate meaningful writing instruction without sacrificing time or attention to content. Drawing on research and our experiences with IW in middle school settings, we explain the roots of IW and its potential to support powerful writing instruction in the disciplines because of its emphasis on externalizing thought, negotiating meaning, and teaching conventions of writing and language in the context of real writing.

Keywords:

• interactive writing
• disciplinary literacy
• Common Core State Standards
• writing strategy

Notes

¹All names are pseudonyms. Transcripts have been adapted for readability and clarity by the researchers. Underlined emphasis is added to indicate a core feature of IW.