Holly Green
19 June 2015
Belief Paper Teaching writing at the middle school level requires a specific focus on fundamentals and the product. Students are required to perform well on state level writing tests and master the basic functions required to produce persuasive, expository, and argumentative writings. Adhering to certain “tensions” throughout the development helps successfully achieve this goal for teachers and students. While more attention should be given to creativity and the students’ freedom in constructing a piece of writing, the demand for success from local, state, and federal administration directs the core of writing. I believe focusing on specific practices at this level of education will benefit the students’ success on demanding assessments. Clearly stated, “Quality writing is the victim of time and influence from external testing regimes.” (Ryan, 80). Controlling the assignment and focus on instruction is vital for a teacher. Middle school students need specific direction and continual guidance in order to produce a successful piece of writing. By giving the class a detailed expectation of each part of an essay, the students know what is needed to produce that. Defining length requirements, organization of thoughts, and conventions help students learn the specifics needed to write successfully. Student receptivity takes precedence over student activity. In accordance with controlling the assignment, production of an essay can be mastered by students. Students need to keep the rules in mind throughout the entire writing process. Brainstorming, drafting, revising and editing are necessary for students to learn and master the process. Often, when students do not have set rules and guidelines, their writing is off topic, ill organized, and sometimes incoherent. Stressing and continually reviewing existing conventions aide’s