Simmons College – Academic Year 2008

Using Writing to Close the Achievement Gap.

wex image The course is highly practical in nature. Class time will be devoted to looking at student writing and determining strategies for responding to writers at various levels. We will also commit a significant amount of time to modeling and discussing teaching strategies (for both expressive and technical writing skills) that excite children, ensure participation, and change children’s attitudes about writing and reading. Course participants will develop and practice techniques to use in the classroom right away. This course is most relevant for teachers of grade 3 through college and is a four-credit course.

Course Details

Schedule

Questions?

General Informatiion

The course will meet over three weekends. In between meetings, students are expected to spend at least five hours practicing the methods in a classroom setting.

Fundamental Questions

What are the habits, strategies, and expectations of excellent teachers of language arts?
What habits and strategies do teachers use to motivate struggling writers?
What habits and strategies do teachers use to challenge prolific and talented writers?
What specific skills do students need to become confident and excited readers and writers, and in what order should they be taught?
Why is there an achievement gap, and how do the answers to the above questions help to close it?

Schedule

The course meets over three non-consecutive weekends.

First Weekend

Friday, February 1st from 4:00 – 8:30
Saturday, February 2nd from 8:30 – 4:30

Second Weekend

Friday, February 29th from 4:00 – 8:30
Saturday, March 1st from 8:30 – 4:30

Third Weekend

Friday, April 11th from 4:00 – 8:30
Saturday, April 12th from 8:30 – 4:30

Register

Non-degree students contact the Office of Graduate Studies Admission at 617-521-2915.

Returning students register online at aarc.simmons.edu or contact the Office of the Registrar at 617-521-2111 for details.

Questions?

For Questions About the Course Contact:

David Meyers, President, ext. 302
(617) 844-1003 or email dmeyers@wex.org.

NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY

The Writers’ Express, Inc. is a non-profit organization that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin in administration of its admissions and hiring policies and its scholarship programs.