Innovations for writing instruction
Returning in 2022; dates TBD
Returning in 2022; dates TBD
Student writing is often read by one person (a teacher), and for one reason (a grade). Shifting to writing for an authentic audience and purpose allows students to gain skills and perspectives that propel them beyond the classroom. Inspire your students to generate authentic, compelling pieces of writing by implementing a student-authored publication project in your classroom (virtual or otherwise). Student-authored publications aren't just for ELA settings — you can provide the space for students to write in any content area or language, and in doing so, you'll support their academic, social, and emotional growth.
Literacy strategies are a necessary start to meeting the needs of diverse learners, and throughout this course we'll explore innovative approaches to instruction as we move through each phase of the Student Press Initiative process. We will support you in building a publication unit plan for remote, in-person, and blended learning experiences, and explore the effectiveness of project-based learning. At the end of our time together, you'll walk away with a blueprint for student-authored publications that you can implement in your classroom.
Literacy strategies are a necessary start to meeting the needs of diverse learners, and throughout this course we'll explore innovative approaches to instruction as we move through each phase of the Student Press Initiative process. We will support you in building a publication unit plan for remote, in-person, and blended learning experiences, and explore the effectiveness of project-based learning. At the end of our time together, you'll walk away with a blueprint for student-authored publications that you can implement in your classroom.
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The Write Project is a six-week, asynchronous online course. You'll be able to move through this course at your own pace, with no expectation to be online at specific times.
This course is designed to allow for approximately 2 hours of participation per week. While you can interact with each module as often as you'd like, we find that 2 hours per week / 1 module per week works best for participants. Throughout this course, you'll be able to:
Is this course right for you? The Write Project welcomes all K-12 educators, but is best for those who are interested in:
Still have questions? Check out our FAQ. |
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Each module will include the following elements:
Imagining writing possibilitiesGuiding question(s): How do we analyze genre? How can we use mentor texts to inspire our curricula? Objective: Understand the mission and core principles of the Student Press Initiative, while engaging in the inquiry and analysis of specific genres and mentor texts. Utilizing a backwards planning modelGuiding question(s): What does backwards planning really look like? Objective: Delve into the theory and practice of Understanding by Design (UBD), and learn how to utilize backwards planning. Creating a culture of writingGuiding question(s): How can we cultivate a culture of writing? How can we promote rituals and routines that will foster a community of writers? Objective: Explore promising practices and processes for creating a positive and meaningful writing culture with your students. Revving up for revisionGuiding question(s): How can we encourage students to engage in revision? Objective: Discover practical strategies for engaging students in the revision process, and support them in offering feedback to and receiving feedback from their peers. Preparing for publishingGuiding question(s): As teachers, how do we balance correctness with student voice? How does writing for publication influence the way we edit student writing? Objective: Examine your teaching practices, particularly around the editing and formatting of student work; understand how editing process shift when students are going public with their writing. Going public with student writingGuiding question(s): How can we celebrate student work in a meaningful way? How can we plan and prepare for a celebration of student writing? Objective: Prepare student for public speaking and book celebrations/readings; explore the practicalities of creating and planning a student celebration. |
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Dr. Cristina Romeo Compton received her doctorate in education from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2016, with a concentration in the teaching of English. She began her career in education as a NYC Teaching Fellow, teaching in a Title 1 school, while completing her Masters in Childhood Education. Cristina serves as the Director of Program Development at CPET, overseeing a wide range of school-based projects and the Student Press Initiative, which supports teachers and students in developing projects that culminate in professionally designed, print-based publications. When working with schools, she focuses on areas of strength and opportunities for growth, in an effort to develop highly customized and targeted professional development plans. In her on-site work, she supports schools with curriculum design, unit planning, project-based learning, and developing literacy strategies that can bolster student achievement across the disciplines. |
FAQ
Registration
What are CTLE hours, and should I register for them?
Beginning in 2016, a registered holder of a NYS professional classroom teaching certificate, educational leadership certificate, or Level III teaching assistant certificate is required to successfully complete 100 Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) hours. Teachers College is a state-approved provider of CTLE hours, and participants can earn up to 12 hours for participating in this opportunity. Participation will be verified before CTLE credits are awarded.
CTLE information must be included on your registration form. If you decline CTLE hours at the time of registration and change your mind afterward, you'll need to contact us prior to the start of this course. Once you begin, we'll be unable to accommodate new CTLE requests.
CTLE information must be included on your registration form. If you decline CTLE hours at the time of registration and change your mind afterward, you'll need to contact us prior to the start of this course. Once you begin, we'll be unable to accommodate new CTLE requests.
Is there a New Teacher Network membership discount available for this opportunity?
No, this opportunity is not eligible for an NTN member discount. You are welcome to register & participate in this course after paying the registration fee, or you can visit our PD Opportunities page to see other opportunities where your discount will apply.
Can I pay for my registration with a purchase order?
Absolutely! Have your school contact [email protected] to initiate this process.
In your message, please make sure to provide:
This information will allow us to provide you with the documentation needed to create a PO. This documentation will include our vendor & DOE contract numbers.
Once we've received a PO, we will provide your school with a promo code to distribute to the teachers they are funding. The promo code will allow you to bypass Eventbrite's payment section, so that there is no out-of-pocket cost to you. You will still be required to complete a registration form.
In your message, please make sure to provide:
- your school name & address
- contact information (name & email) for the person who handles POs & payments at your school
- the number of teachers interested in registering for this opportunity
This information will allow us to provide you with the documentation needed to create a PO. This documentation will include our vendor & DOE contract numbers.
Once we've received a PO, we will provide your school with a promo code to distribute to the teachers they are funding. The promo code will allow you to bypass Eventbrite's payment section, so that there is no out-of-pocket cost to you. You will still be required to complete a registration form.
I have a promo code — where do I enter it?
Please see the blue text in the registration section that says "Enter promo code". Click that text, enter your code, and click "Apply". From there, you can continue with your registration as usual.
This course has already started. Can I still register?
Yes! You can register through February 15, 2021.
How do I change or cancel my registration?
If you need to change or cancel your registration for any reason, contact us at [email protected].
If you choose to cancel your registration, we will be able to offer you a refund as long as you have not yet accepted the invitation to join the course.
If you choose to cancel your registration, we will be able to offer you a refund as long as you have not yet accepted the invitation to join the course.
Access & participation
How do I access this course?
Once you've registered, you will receive an email invitation to join our digital platform from Teachers College Canvas. From there, you will be able to set up a username and password.
If you register before January 25, you can expect to receive the invitation by January 25 when the course begins.
If you register after January 25, you can expect to receive the invitation within 48 hours of registration.
Course materials will be accessible immediately following your acceptance of the invitation.
If you register before January 25, you can expect to receive the invitation by January 25 when the course begins.
If you register after January 25, you can expect to receive the invitation within 48 hours of registration.
Course materials will be accessible immediately following your acceptance of the invitation.
What does a module include?
Each module will include the following elements:
*Must be completed to earn all CTLEs
- Instructional talks: A series of 3-4 short videos that break down the topic, provide examples, pose questions, and invite further reflection.
- Key resources: Downloadable resources for you to read, review, or use in your instruction.
- Discussion prompt*: Each module will pose a reflection question, which you can respond to using the discussion board. We want to hear from each person in the discussion board at least one time, and want each person to respond to a minimum of 2 other posts.
- Assignment*: Practical, hands-on assignments that will help you implement the content of the module and reflect on your experiences.
*Must be completed to earn all CTLEs
How much time will it take me to complete this course?
This course is designed to allow for approximately 2 hours of participation per week. This course runs for six weeks, and includes a total of six modules. While you can move through the course at your own pace, we find that 2 hours per week / 1 module per week works best for participants.
Will I be expected to be online on specific days / at certain times?
No; this course is asynchronous. You can move through each module at your own pace.
How do I earn CTLE credits?
CTLEs are based on participation and completion of the course assignments and discussions. Completion of a task equals 1 CTLE credit.
Do I need to complete this course by a specific date?
All modules must be completed by the end of the course — March 7, 2021 at 11:59pm.
