Why Do We Need to Improve Writing Instruction in Indiana?

Poor writing skill among students is certainly not a reality only in Indiana. The National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP) writing test shows that only 27% of 4th grade students nationwide are at or above “Proficient” in writing. Indiana came close to that national average at 26% Proficient. These numbers were a slight improvement over the results from the previous NAEP writing test given at that grade in 1998. More alarming, however, is the fact that Indiana slips off the national average at grade 8. Indiana remains at 26% Proficient in Grade 8 compared to a national average of 30% proficient.

This means that while Indiana’s average 4th grade scale scores were higher than those in 21 other states, at grade 8 our average scores were higher than only eleven other states. Since the measurement of writing skills (including grammar and spelling) now comprise fully one-third of the SAT test score, we need to examine, eliminate or enhance our instructional practices at all grades working toward significant improvement in writing skills for all students

National Center for Education Statistics

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For more details regarding NAEP scores refer to this resource.