Feedback Studio Helps Make Coeur d’Alene a District of Choice

In 2000, Coeur d’Alene Schools were the first in the state to require a senior project, an all-encompassing assignment that included an in-depth research paper. Several years after the senior project was implemented, CdA instructors found that the strength and originality of the papers were diminishing. “Kids were just not writing in depth, and we were not seeing the growth of syntax that we wanted,” shared Mike Nelson, the Director of Curricula and Assessments.

This motivated the community to invest in writing and digital literacy initiatives that would ensure high-quality, authentic writing in the schools and establish Coeur d’Alene as a district leader throughout all of Idaho.

The CdA faculty decided to revise senior project writing rubrics to more accurately reflect higher writing expectations. Curriculum shifted to align with these expectations, which meant research, citation, and formal writing—skills critical for the senior project— would be taught as early as sixth grade. Community voters levied additional funds to purchase 1:1 Chromebooks and Turnitin software for the CdA middle and high schools for grades 6-12, supporting the district’s renewed emphasis on comprehensive writing skills and digital literacy.

The district-wide changes were felt by students and teachers immediately. With revised rubrics, enhanced curriculum, and digital tools like Feedback Studio for the classroom, CdA could now offer impactful feedback on process and citation with ease, making strong writing a reality for all students in the district. “I’m a graduate of this district and a leader in this community... and there’s a reason that I’m proud to wear my lanyard when I go to [the local grocery store]. It’s because people recognize our symbol and recognize what we stand for as a district,” shared Nelson.

Over the past three years, Coeur d’Alene has become a true district of choice for the families of Idaho. CdA Schools have seen a 2 -3% annual growth in student enrollment and in August of 2018, they opened their doors to nearly 11,000 students. In 2018, instructors also saw an 11% decrease in the overall number of high similarity submissions, illustrating the impact of these tools on authentic writing in the senior project and beyond.

Learn more about Feedback Studio at turnitin.com/products/feedback-studio