Because Writing Matters: Improving Student Writing in Our Schools
Author(s): National Writing Project (Author), Carl Nagin (Author)
Publisher: Jossey Bass
Publication Date: 6 Feb. 2003
Language: English
Print length: 160 pages
ISBN-10: 0787965626
ISBN-13: 9780787965624
Book Description
Because Writing Matters examines the myths and realities surrounding the teaching of writing in schools. This important book reveals how kids learn to write, what schools need to do to teach writing effectively, and shows that effective writing teachers address more than content and skills. Sponsored by the National Writing Project, a nationally recognized organization for teachers, Because Writing Matters offers step–by–step recommendations for developing effective writing programs in all grades. Each of the book′s action steps is prioritized from the easily achieved to the larger and longer term.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“At last a book that is both comprehensive and up–to–date on the status and importance of writing in America. [This] carefully researched book shows how writing can be marginalized through ineffective assessments yet be a force in student lives. This book is must reading for teachers, school district leaders, and policy makers who wish to restore writing to its rightful place in student learning.” Donald Graves, professor emeritus, Education, University of New Hampshire
“Because Writing Matters is a highly accessible, reader–friendly book that reviews what we know about written language and that explains clearly how that knowledge can be used to build effective programs for teaching writing. I predict that this book will become an indispensable guide for policy makers and legislators as well as for professional educators who strive to build research–based instructional programs.” Sarah Warshauer Freedman, Professor of Education, University of California, Berkeley
“Because Writing Matters makes clear the connection between learning to write and learning to read. It easily explains how children can increase their comprehension of concepts and ideas in all content areas through the writer′s craft. Busy principals who want to know what really matters in building a successful school writing program need to read this book.” Frank Murphy, principal, General George G. Meade Elementary School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From the Inside Flap
A good writer can effectively present an idea, argue a point, analyze an issue, clarify the confusing, and evoke the intangible. The writing ability children develop in their school and college years is a valuable skill that will last them a lifetime. Because Writing Matters examines the myths and realities surrounding the teaching of writing in schools. This important book reveals how kids learn to write, what schools need to do to teach writing effectively, and shows that effective writing teachers address more than content and skills. Sponsored by the National Writing Project, a nationally recognized organization for teachers, Because Writing Matters offers step–by–step recommendations for developing effective writing programs in all grades. Each of the book′s action steps is prioritized from the easily achieved to the larger and longer term. Teaching writing well involves multiple teaching strategies that deal with both process and product, both form and content. This book offers many examples of these effective strategies and classroom practices. In addition, Because Writing Matters includes a guide to help educators and administrators analyze and improve writing instruction in their classrooms. From curriculum and assessment to professional development, this book will provide teachers, parents, administrators, and policy makers with a blueprint for improving writing in their schools.
About the Author
The National Writing Project (NWP) is a nationwide professional development program for teachers begun in 1974 at the University of California, Berkeley. Through its extensive network of teachers, the NWP seeks to promote exemplary instruction of writing in every classroom in America. Carl Nagin is a journalist, editor, and teacher. He has worked for the PBS series Frontline, and his articles have appeared in such national publications as T he New Yorker, the New York Times, and Art and Antiques where his writing was nominated for a National Magazine Award. He taught writing at both the high school and college level for more than fifteen years as a faculty member at Harvard University and the New England Conservatory of Music.
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