Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education Professor, Margaret-Mary Sulentic Dowell, PhD, recently presented cutting-edge research on writing assessment at the Inaugural Joint National Council Teacher of English (NCTE)-National Council Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Conference held in New Orleans in late June 2024. Both professional organizations collaborated to provide the opportunity for members from both associations to come together and share research and recommend practices in both disciplines, a first for these two premier professional entities.

Sulentic Dowell, who is also Director of the Louisiana State University Writing Project, collaborated with two recent graduates, Megan Jenny, PhD and Kyley Pulphus-Smith, PhD, on the efficacy of single point rubrics, an assets-based approach to writing assessment. The paucity of writing research that examines affirming and authentic assessment practices versus deficit-oriented assessment practices, led the three literacy scholars to this timely study. Utilizing an autoethnographic design, the three researchers turned the research lens inward and investigated their past practice for evidence of using mentor texts as starting points for assessment while examining how single point rubrics confirm and encourage writer voice, highlight strengths in a piece or writing, and advance the development of a writing manuscript. The joint NCTE-NCTM conference drew participants from the United States as well as global attendees. In Sulentic Dowell, Jenny, and Pulphus-Smith’s session, participants hailed from Saipan, Canada, and states such as Hawaii, Virginia, and Washington DC, as well as individuals from the Gulf South. 

Sulentic Dowell commented, “The opportunity to reflect on my own practice, emphasize a strengths-based approach to writing assessment that is validating, and collaborate with such stellar LSU School of Education alums was a highlight.”  

The trio’s presentation was accepted under the conference strand of “Revolutionizing Assessment to Elicit, Illuminate, and Leverage Student Thinking.” The presentation exemplified NCTE’s position on writing. According to NCTE, misconceptions about writing instruction pedagogy, coupled with an excess of standardized assessments, has resulted in writing pedagogy having a restrictive focus on standardized testing, which has in turn, has fostered a myopic view of how to teach writing best (NCTE, 2022). Despite decades of research that support authentic and effective writing instruction, this narrow view persists.

Jenny, who taught at the University Lab School for 7 years, and earned her PhD in December of 2022, spent several years as a Senior Editor for Six Red Marbles. She recently accepted a position at Our Lady of Mercy School in Baton Rouge as the Lower School Assistant Principal. Jenny stated, "Single point rubrics transform writing assessment by valuing each student's strengths and capabilities. This assets-based approach promotes a growth mindset, helping students see their progress and potential."

Pulphus-Smith is a former New Orleans educator and founder of We Scribbin’ LLC, a highly successful consulting practice. She was also the founding program director at 826 New Orleans, the youth writing nonprofit. Pulphus-Smith earned her PhD in My 2024 and was recently selected as the Education Director of KID smART in New Orleans, which is an arts integration organization promoting joyful learning for young people. 

A shared research focus on writing continues to bring the three together as a collaborative team.  

“We applaud Dr. Sulentic Dowell’s contribution to this historical collaboration.  Efforts like this conference hold promise for removing disciplinary boundaries and addressing the complex issues we face in today’s schools.”  Eugene Kennedy, Interim Director of the Lutril & Pearl Payne School of Education.  

About CHSE 
The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. The college is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Information Studies, the School of Kinesiology the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, and the School of Social Work. CHSE has two model demonstration schools, the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool, enrolling birth to age four and the University Laboratory School enrolling Kindergarten through grade 12. The college also has four centers and institutes: the Early Childhood Education Institute, the Healthy Aging Research Center, the Leadership Development Institute, and Social Research & Evaluation Center. The college is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is committed to improving quality of life across the lifespan. 
Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education website. 

About the LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education (SOE) 
A school of the College of Human Sciences & Education, the SOE offers undergraduate programs for students who want to pursue a career as a pre-kindergarten through 12th grade teacher or acquire dual certification in both traditional elementary and special education classrooms. In addition, SOE offers 3 graduate certificates, 17 master’s degree program areas, 9 EdS certificate programs, and 2 PhD degrees in 11 areas of focus. SOE’s focus is not only on preparing highly qualified teachers but also in preparing educational leaders, curriculum studies scholars, educational technology experts, applied researchers, higher education professionals, school counselors, and clinical mental health counselors. SOE specializes scholarly expertise regarding pressing educational and wellness issues across the entire lifespan.  
Visit the LSU Lutrill and Pearl Payne School of Education website.