Eighth Grade ONLY:  Persuasive Writing 

As of 2003-2004, eighth graders will  take the SDUHSD Direct Writing Assessment (DWA) but seventh graders will not.   

Instead, seventh graders will have their writing formally assessed using the state required STAR writing test for seventh grade.

Eighth Graders:

You will be asked to write a convincing persuasive essay in response to one of several prompts.

To view the EIGHTH GRADE Direct Writing Rubric click here. (This is a MSWord document.)

HOW THE DISTRICT USES A STUDENT'S 8TH GRADE DWA SCORE

Direct Writing Assessment is used as one of the promotion criteria from grade 8 into grade 9. It is also part of the GATE screening criteria for grade 8 and 9 English honors classes.

Our District values writing and this assessment provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to write to a given prompt on demand, much like state and college testing requires.