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HPISD to expand writing accountability to grades 4–11; rubric and materials updated
Summary
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Shorr Heathcote outlined plans to increase use of The Bedford Handbook and Open Court Language Usage Handbook, add practice resources for grades 6–8, revise rubrics, and expand writing accountability to grades 4–11 with related professional learning.
At the Highland Park ISD Board of Trustees work session on May 12, 2026, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Shorr Heathcote presented proposed updates to grammar instruction and the district's approach to writing accountability. The administration plans to increase use of The Bedford Handbook and the Open Court Language Usage Handbook, pursue an additional practice resource for grades 6–8, and revise rubrics and assessments to make expectations more specific.
Dr. Heathcote said the district will expand writing accountability to grades 4–11 after identifying a need to stress mechanics and use of text evidence. The presentation included planned professional learning for teachers during the school year and over the summer that will focus on sentence-level instruction, revision strategies and alignment to the HPISD Literacy Framework.
