What is anchor papers?

Anchor papers are a collection of examples of student work that demonstrate different levels of proficiency in a particular skill or concept. These papers are usually created by teachers, curriculum developers, or educational specialists to serve as a reference point for teachers and students as they work on developing their skills.

Anchor papers typically include examples of student work that represent different levels of proficiency, from basic to advanced. They may also include annotations or comments that highlight specific strengths or weaknesses in the work, as well as suggestions for how to improve.

The main purpose of anchor papers is to provide a clear understanding of what is expected of students at different levels of proficiency and to give a visual reference for teachers and students to assess their own work against. By studying anchor papers, students can gain a better understanding of what they need to do to improve their own work and teachers can use them as a guide for providing feedback and instruction.

Anchor papers are commonly used in the assessment of writing, reading comprehension, math, science, and other subjects. They are also frequently used in standardized testing to help evaluators determine proficiency levels.