-
Period: to
5 paragraph essay emerges
According to Nunes, the five paragraph essay’s origins can be traced back to use from 1870-1920 (2013). -
Harvard implements writing requirement
In the late 19th century, writing instruction in the United States focuses on letter formation, spelling, and beautiful handwriting. In 1873, Harvard University implements a writing requirement as part of the admission process. It requires applicants to write a composition about a literary work. Soon after, other Universities follow suite, and for male high school students, writing instruction begins to focus on the skills necessary to fulfill these expectations (DiPardo, 2016). -
Pencils widely available in schools
Toward the end of the 19th century, pencils become mass produced and widely available for use by students in school (Wilson, 2002). This is the beginning of the trend toward more writing instruction in schools. -
Period: to
Secondary instruction continues
Throughout the first half of the 20th century, elementary writing instruction continues to focus on handwriting and spelling, but secondary instruction includes varying types of essays. Students’ work is graded on word choice, sentence structure, usage, conventions, and style. Assignments included descriptive, narrative, expository, and argumentative writing. -
Ballpoint pen widely available
Ballpoint pens become mass produced and widely available for use by students in school (Wilson, 2002). This is a remarkable development from ink that dripped and smudged all over paper. -
Dartmouth Conference
British and American English teachers gather at the Dartmouth Conference in 1966 to discuss current research in writing programs in schools. The outcome is that educational leaders in the United States begin supporting the writing process from planning to publication, with focus on direct instruction in revising. The idea that elementary school students should receive writing instruction in these areas from the very beginning is born. Also, the idea that learning to write and learning to read -
National Writing Project
In 1974, the National Writing Project is founded. It is made up of exemplary classroom teachers. As a professional development movement, it continues to this day to influence writing curriculum (DiPardo, 2016). -
IDEA
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is signed by congress, recognizing writing as an eligible disability. This allows students to receive services in the area of writing. -
criticism of 5 paragraph essay
In 1978, the five paragraph essay receives criticism in an essay by Richard Young. Young condemns the process as inadequate due it’s nature of product over process. The term current-traditional is used to describe the antiquated use of the five paragraph essay in public instruction (Nunes, 2013). Reagrdless, it continues to be taught in schools. -
Federal Government funds research center
In 1985, the federal government funds a research center dedicated to studying writing (DiPardo, 2016). This leads to an increase in research-based data available. -
NY introduces keyboarding
New York public schools include keyboarding in their curriculum. This trend is quickly adopted nationwide (Wilson, 2013). -
National Council of Teachers of English Convention
In the 1990s, portfolio assessment of writing becomes popular due to the National Council of Teachers of English convention. They created the New Standards approach, which allows portfolios to provide evidence of students’ writing growth (DiPardo, 2016). -
5 paragraph essay again questioned
In 2013, the origins and continued use of the 5 paragraph essay are discussed. Nunes (2013) maintains that it is an antiquated formula and should be updated. -
computer based writing testing
Computer-based writing assessments become popular in urban districts (Wilson 2013). -
5 paragraph essay remains
Despite criticisms, the 5 paragraph essay remains a staple of expository writing in the United States public education system.