Central Texas Writing Project Lori Assaf, Ph.D., Director Shirley Gerdes, M.Ed., Co-Director Jennifer Woollven, M.Ed., Co-Director Cynthia Vetter, M.Ed., Co-Director

National Writing Project Mission: Improve student achievement by improving the teaching of writing and improving learning in the nation’s schools. Only national network to focus on writing. Co-directed by faculty from the local university and from K–12 schools, local sites serve all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than 2 million teachers since 1974 National research studies have confirmed significant gains in writing performance among students of teachers who have participated in NWP programs.

NWP: 200 National Sites

National Writing Project Principles Writing instruction begins in kindergarten and continues through university. Effective teachers of writing are writers Exemplary teachers make the best teachers of other teachers. Teachers are the key to reform in education. Knowledge about the teaching of writing comes from many sources: theory and research, the analysis of practice, and the experience of writing.

NWP in TEXAS: 11 sites in Texas Central Texas Writing Project – Texas State University-San Marcos Greater Houston Area Writing Project – University of Houston, Clear Lake Heart of Texas Writing Project – University of Texas, Austin North Star of Texas Writing Project – University of North Texas, Denton Pearl of the Concho Writing Project – Angelo State University, San Angelo Sabal Palms Writing Project – University of Texas, Brownsville Sam Houston State University Writing Project San Antonio Writing Project – University of Texas, San Antonio South Texas Writing Project – Texas A&M, Laredo Texas Bluebonnet Writing Project – University of Texas, Arlington West Texas Writing Project – University of Texas, El Paso

Central Texas Writing Project Promotes writing in K-College settings Based on teachers-teaching-teachers model Summer institute at Texas State University San Marcos and RRHEC Over 200 Teacher Consultants since 1998 in 12 school districts

Summer Institute Participants selected through application and interview process June – July Participants receive 6 hours graduate credit Participants receive books Participants provided dormitory space, if needed

Summer Institute Activities Daily Activities Journal Writing Author’s Chair Research Demonstrations Response Groups Writing autobiographical recreation essay experimental piece position paper

Benefits Learn strategies from each other Explore a topic of interest Explore classroom research possibilities Improve self-image as writers Share memories, fears, hopes, and goals Develop friendships Eat wonderful food

Community Outreach Summer Young Writers Camp Teacher Consulting Service Continued Professional Development Writing Retreats Inquiry Groups and Study Groups Teachers’ Conference NWP/NCTE Conference NWP Spring Meeting, Washington, DC