Frequently Asked Questions
1Why do schools need the Writing Partnership?
Whether a school is working toward Common Core alignment or is simply working toward whole-school writing reform, it is imperative that the entire staff has a unified approach to teaching, assessing, and talking about writing. Gwen takes the time to come in and learn what a school’s current approach to writing instruction and assessment looks like across grade levels and content areas. Then she works with the staff to develop an effective, customized schoolwide writing program. Teachers and administrators are already overwhelmed with the task at hand. Using Gwen to evaluate the current program, come up with a customized plan for improvement, and then to help implement the plan allows teachers and administrators to continue running a school and teaching our children, while working toward improvement.
2Who gets involved in this program?
The program involves the entire teaching staff and administration at a school. Through professional learning community-style workshops, the entire staff learns and grows together as teachers of writing.
3What is the best time of year for this program to begin?
The best time to start this program is in the spring with the School Writing Program Audit. By completing the audit in the spring, teachers are able to provide valuable data regarding the school’s current writing program. This data is then evaluated over the summer, and a report is generated with recommendations for future work. The school and Gwen begin the year with a professional development plan that has a customized scope and sequence that build upon a school’s strengths and knowledge.
4Do you have any case studies or “proof” that this works?
Over the course of the last several years, Gwen has worked with numerous schools. Each one has received a customized professional development series that has led to overall improvement in each school’s writing programs and student achievement in writing. Please visit the testimonial page for more information.
5What is this program based on?
This program is based upon research regarding the most effective professional development programs as well as a school’s individual needs. Research shows that effective professional development requires at least 14 hours of contact between the trainer and the school.
The best professional development creates an ongoing relationship between the trainer and staff. It is tailored to a school’s needs and culture. Gwen facilitates the process of evaluating and analyzing a school's entire writing program. Once this has happened she offers advice on next steps as well as services that help schools meet those next steps. Gwen uses research-based practices in her workshops and builds upon the knowledge base of the staff she is working with.
6What is the ideal situation for a school to be in so that it gets maximum benefit from the program?
In order to receive maximum benefit from working with Gwen, a school must be willing to commit to a long-term professional development plan. Teachers and administrators should be like-minded in a pursuit to create a unified approach to teaching and assessing writing in all grade levels and content areas. It is when staff is committed to investing time to look at where they are and determine where they want to be that Gwen can help bring about the best results.
7Are there any schools that should not have this program?
All schools would benefit from working with Gwen. The unique, customized approach that Gwen brings makes this program a good fit for any school looking to overhaul the entire writing program or to just fine-tune what they are already doing.
Whether a school is heading toward whole-school writing reform or looking to add new components to their program, all teachers benefit from the professional development aspect of working with The Writing Partnership.