Once the seal is broken and the prompt page is opened, it is time for your students to turn on the auto pilot, using the training instilled over the months before. The first order of business, after the multiple choice have been completed, is for your class to locate the word WRITE within the lengthy prompt. They should then circle the entire sentence then locate KEY WORDS within the sentence. These key words must be used in the introduction (I) and conclusion (C). Now remember, my advice here is for At Risk kids. Gifted students could rework these key words into creative synonyms, but those with language issues need to stick with the words given to them. This strategy will help them stay on topic, and if they stray, at least the introduction and conclusion will bring them back on point.
The next item my students write on the prompt page is the WRITING CHECKLIST, of my own creation. I can’t stress how important this checklist is to success. You can find it here.
Lastly, begin the writing process with BRAINSTORMING at the bottom of the prompt page. My students are required to write PICK ONE next to the words brainstorming. Number from one to three and get busy. Circle the one you can write the most about. Remember to not write a city, state, or country in the brainstorming.
After the prompt page is completed, it is time to find the blank page provided in the test, and begin pre-writing. Read about pre-writing here.
Teaching STAAR Writing to "At Risk" Texas 4th Graders 
