Seattle Public Schools | DWA help page

Direct Writing Assessment (DWA)
The Direct Writing Assessment (DWA) is a district-sponsored writing test given in the spring to students in grades 3, 5, 6, and 9. Previously, students in grades 8 and 11 took the DWA. Grades 8 and 11 are no longer tested using the DWA. The DWA is an opportunity for the District to assess student writing on four grade levels in the same way on the same scoring scale. Scores can be analyzed and compared to both inform teacher instruction and target student strengths and weaknesses.

Students receive DWA booklets preprinted with their name, ID number, school information, and a choice of two writing prompts. Students choose one of the two prompts, complete a prewriting and rough draft, and write their final drafts in the booklets. Teachers also receive Preprinted scoring sheets that are used only by the teacher to indicate exempt students. Completed papers are scored on a 6-trait analytical scale and are returned to students. This provides an useful instructional guide of student writing.

The DWA is administered over three days, in 45-60 minute sessions each day. This is enough time for most students to complete the writing piece, but additional time may be allowed to obtain a student's best work. Three consecutive testing days is most beneficial to student performance. Encourage your teachers to administer the test on consecutive days.

Students are assigned a choice of two prompts in one of these randomly-assigned writing genres.

	Grade 3 prompts - narrative, expository Grade 5 prompts - narrative, expository and persuasive Grade 6 prompts - narrative, expository and persuasive Grade 9 prompts - expository and persuasive