Impact of 6+1 Trait Writing Model on writing instruction in grades three through eight

This qualitative, ethnographic study explored perceptions of teachers who use the 6+1 Trait®, trademark of Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, Writing Model as expressed by 15 teachers and five administrators in grades three through eight of the Marlboro Central School District, Marlboro, New York. These perceptions were explored through individual interviews and focus group interviews to document teachers’ perceptions of writing, writing process approaches, and writing abilities. The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of the 6+1 Trait® Writing Model on teachers’ perceptions of student writing. The findings determined educational leaders can improve teachers’ perceptions of writing abilities by recommending professional development and establishing learning community settings to foster teachers as writer, process writing, and teachers of writing.