Technology Application Standards

(1)  The study of creative writing allows high school students to earn one-half to one credit while developing versatility as a writer. Creative Writing, a rigorous composition course, asks high school students to demonstrate their skill in such forms of writing as fictional writing, short stories, poetry, and drama. All students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the recursive nature of the writing process, effectively applying the conventions of usage and the mechanics of written English. The students' evaluation of their own writing as well as the writing of others ensures that students completing this course are able to analyze and discuss published and unpublished pieces of writing, develop peer and self-assessments for effective writing, and set their own goals as writers.

(2)  For high school students whose first language is not English, the students' native language serves as a foundation for English language acquisition and language learning.

(3)  Statements that contain the word "including" reference content that must be mastered, while those containing the phrase "such as" are intended as possible illustrative examples.

(4)  The essential knowledge and skills as well as the student expectations for Creative Writing, an elective course, are described in subsection (b) of this section.

(Source: Texas Education Agency at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/)

My focus is primarily on teaching adult students, but for the purpose of this assignment I’ve chosen to hypothetically discuss TEKS in High School Creative Writing.  I would utilize the TEKS listed above by regularly assigning writing assignments to instill understanding of the writing process in students and by having them review not only their own material, but also the material of their peers.  This will create solid analysis skills needed for self evaluation, peer review and publishing.  I would help students set personal goals to write a certain amount of content over the course of the class and have them evaluate their own progress to achieve those goals.

In my opinion, the most important TEKS listed is for students to become used to and comfortable with sharing material with their peers.  Because creative writing is such a personal form of expression, many writers suffer from feelings of anxiety or insecurity when it comes to sharing their material with peers.  The best way to overcome this is to share their material on a regular basis until it becomes not only comfortable, but a desired part of the writing process.  Once a student is used to having peers review and critique their work, that fear transforms into a healthy need to receive feedback, and they become a much stronger writer for it.