The Connecticut Writing Project-Storrs was one of 51 sites of the National Writing Project granted an Advanced Institute to Scale-Up the College-Ready Writers Program Grant for the 2016-17 school year in the amount of $20,000. This highly competitive grant focuses on providing innovative new strategies for the teaching of writing to teachers in high-need middle and high schools.
Through this grant, 12-16 participating teachers will receive 30 hours of professional development in teaching argument-based writing using the tools and resources of the College-Ready Writing Program. Once teachers complete the training, they will have the opportunity to share what they have learned with other teachers by leading workshops in high need schools across the state. During their training, teacher-leaders at the CWP-Storrs site will study the CRWP’s innovative materials, which focuses on teaching academic argument as conversation and integrating outside sources in an organic and professional manner.
CWP Director, Jason Courtmanche and Teacher-Leaders Danielle Pieratti of South Windsor High and Elizabeth Simison of Bacon Academy traveled to Washington D.C. earlier this month to discuss the specifics of the grant and begin preparation for the 15-20 summer face-time hours that it requires.
Teachers and administrators interested in becoming involved with the Connecticut Writing Project-Storrs, either through the College Ready Writers grant, contracted professional development services, youth programs for young writers, or participation in a summer institute, should visit the CWP’s website at www.cwp.uconn.edu, call the office at 860-486-2328, or contact Director Jason Courtmanche at cwp@uconn.edu or jason.courtmanche@uconn.edu.
The Connecticut Writing Project-Storrs has been affiliated with the University of Connecticut since 1982, and is an affiliate of the National Writing Project, which has been providing quality professional development for teachers for over 40 years.
For more information, contact: Jason Courtmanche at jason.courtmanche@uconn.edu