Because Writing Matters

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 The 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.

Preface ix

The Authors xi

INTRODUCTION Why Writing Matters 1

ONE Improving Student Writing: Challenges and Expectations 9

TWO Learning to Write 19

THREE Writing to Learn 43

FOUR Professional Development 57

FIVE Standards and Assessments for Writing 71

SIX What Administrators Can Do to Create

Effective Writing Programs 87

Notes 105

Bibliography 115

Index 123