Q: What is the National Writing Project?
A: A nonprofit, educational organization based in California, the National Writing Project launched a teacher-to-teacher training initiative in 1974 with the intent of creating a nationwide network of instructors committed to quality writing instruction from kindergarten through college levels. Its mission focuses on improving teaching techniques and curriculum to improve student achievement in the classroom. The training network now spans 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and serves more than 100,000 educators each year. Recognizing that writing instruction is a fundamental cornerstone to a solid education, the National Writing Project seeks to help teachers from all subject areas use an effective curriculum in the classroom to develop high quality writing skills among their students. Funded primarily by federal dollars administered through the U.S. Department of Education, Congress recently reauthorized the National Writing Project for another five years under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which was signed into law in January by President Bush. During consideration of the legislation last year, I joined a group of Senators to push an amendment to the education bill that would retain the program’s status under the ESEA. Fortunately, the program was preserved so teachers and students across the United States may continue to benefit from the expertise and experience from nearly 30 years of research, training and commitment by a nationwide network of folks dedicated to improving literacy and writing skills in the classroom. What’s more, I’m pleased Congress appropriated $14 million to fund the program for the current fiscal year.
Q: Does the National Writing Project have an Iowa presence?
A: Yes, Started in 1977, the Iowa Writing Project is located in Cedar Rapids at the Grant Wood Area Education Agency. Focused on advancing professional growth and development opportunities for Iowa teachers, the Iowa Writing Project operates summer institutes where teachers examine their classroom practices, conduct research, and develop their own writing skills. After completion of one of these summer institutes, the participating teachers return home and provide professional development workshops for other teachers in their home schools and communities. These follow-up activities are conducted throughout the entire academic year in order to maintain and encourage continued use of writing skills. As a result, the Iowa Writing Project is able to reach far more teachers than would otherwise be possible and teachers are able to reap the benefits the whole year long. Interested teachers, students and parents may find more information and application materials for seminars offered by the Iowa Writing Project on-line at http://www.aea10.k12.ia.us/instruct/iwp. From my contacts and meetings with Iowa educators who have participated in the Iowa Writing Project, they share a strong commitment to the importance of the written word and want to make sure their students have every opportunity to build upon and improve their skills and talents. Students with polished writing skills will have a better opportunity to succeed in their chosen profession. From business, to politics, academics, journalism, medicine, and law, the art of written communication cannot by overestimated.