Seven Valleys Writing Project

SEVEN VALLEYS WRITING PROJECT PROGRESS

Recent Developments

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  May, 2011

The National Writing Project site at SUNY Cortland (Seven Valleys) has
Begun recruiting for our fourth July Summer Institute leadership seminar for teachers (2011)
Planned its second Open Institute on 21st-Century Digital Writing Skills (August, 2011)
Attracted teachers from over 20 school districts in CNY, including the major urban areas of Syracuse and Binghamton
Taught 35 Teacher-Consultants in the theory and practice of using writing to learn, K-12  and across the curriculum
Presented over 30 seminars on writing and learning to CNY teachers and principals
Underscored SUNY Cortland's flagship role in literacy
Held two writing retreats for Teacher-Consultants in CNY
Supported over 19 Central New York teachers attending conferences on writing and learning
Taught 184 graduate credit hours through SUNY Cortland
Sponsored over 3000 contact hours at the Main Street Facility with local educators
Helped over 4,800 students gain access to classes taught by a SVWP Teacher Consultant

 

Goals:
Establishing the SUNY Cortland graduate certificate in writing (unique in SUNY) with up to twelve credit hours in writing and technology
Establishing SUNY Cortland as the hub for interdisciplinary conversations about teaching writing in Social Studies, the sciences and ELA
Developing a strong tradition of teaching and reflecting on the technology of writing

Bottom Line:
Number of students taught by a Seven Valleys teacher by the end of five years: 18,000
Effect of Seven Valleys on CNY teachers, students, and districts: positive and growing

Our goal at the Seven Valleys Writing Project is to support the growing network of teachers who use writing to learn, both about their classes and in their classes.

Our greatest accomplishment so far, however, can be measured by our ability to garner support for the simple message of the NWP: schools teach learning more than they do any particular subject. Writing is a powerful tool for making knowledge in all disciplines and for all ages. The NWP supports the efforts of master teachers who wish to deepen their understanding of their subjects and their pedagogical efficacy by developing themselves as writers. Teachers in the region have responded to this message with strong enthusiasm and commitment.

Future Plans

• Finances: We are working on tertiary grants that will help us support the Writing Project in future years in addition to the college’s matching funds.
• Publicity: We have strong support on campus through Pete Koryzno’s office
• Technology: We are working to develop grants for technology in the Beard Building
• In-service: Teachers will be presenting in-house demonstrations of writing pedagogy on campus starting in the fall of 2008

Contact Information

• David Franke, Director. 112 Old Main Building, English Department, SUNY Cortland, Box 2000, Cortland, NY 13045. dtfranke (at) cortland (dot) edu; (607) 753-5945