How do educators sustain K-12 district initiatives? Teaching and learning initiatives, despite being well-intentioned, often struggle to gain traction due to limited teacher acceptance or inconsistent program fidelity, so much so that many are familiar with the concept of "initiative decay." Even the most promising initiatives can…

Writing is a cornerstone in the K-12 experience. Students write to demonstrate, support, and deepen understanding of themselves, their relationships, and their world--and to succeed on achievement tests in all subjects. Writing proficiency sets students up for postsecondary success and workforce participation. It facilitates their social and civic…

The Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy (CCSS-ELA) were adopted by approximately forty states (though in some cases, with significant revisions). However, researchers are still trying to understand how teachers are implementing the CCSS-ELA at the ground level--that is, in actual ELA classrooms. The CCSS-ELA call for…

This study investigated interactions between evidence-based practices implemented and attributions of factors contributing to achievement of student learning objectives. Conducted in three school districts in a mid-Atlantic state, 78 teachers completed an end-of-year survey. Internal attributions were significantly correlated with implementation…

Although writing plays an important role in the academic, psychosocial, and economic success of individuals, typical writing instruction and assessment in the United States generally does not reflect evidence-based practices. The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) place a great deal of emphasis on written expression and may encourage an increased…

For the nearly 39 million U.S. adults who do not have a high school diploma, the General Educational Development (GED) programs and exam have served as the main avenue for improving individuals' skills and helping them earn a high school credential. However, few students who start these programs ever get this credential, and even fewer advance to…

The state of Kentucky has embarked upon a large scale systems change effort to integrate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, including use of digital curriculum and computerized reading supports to improve overall student achievement. A major component of this initiative is the use of Read & Write Gold. As higher expectations are…

Discusses the policy, objectives, and possible teaching procedures that a local teachers' association developed in response to a directive to include writing in all subject areas and at all grade levels. (RL)

According to researchers Herriott and Gross in their book "The Dynamics of Planned Educational Change," educational innovations fail because administrators (1) fail to diagnose problems correctly, (2) fail to anticipate and resolve implementation problems, (3) adopt an "ad hoc" approach to educational innovation, (4) accept…

Describes the growth of the Bay Area Writing Project into the National Writing Project, whose 80 regional programs share the goal of improving the teaching of written composition in grades K through l3 through inservice teacher education. Presents evaluative information on this model. (Author/SJL)

Offers advice to principals on initiating a writing program, including tips on planning, teacher training, costs, and assessment. One cardinal rule: the administrator must also write. (Author/WD)

Discusses writing projects, studies of implementation and teacher change, and mirrors of change which point to the state of the art in language arts. (RS)

Describes the implementation year of the Renewal Institute for Practicing Educators (RI) of Southern Illinois University, an in-service education program that follows up on participants to determine whether teachers are implementing the ideas and suggestions offered during the original program. The RI program provides in-service education…

Intended as a source of motivation and guidance for those who wish to examine and perhaps change a school's writing program, this handbook addresses both the content and the teaching methodology of a writing program. Sections of the handbook provide (1) background information on the teaching of writing, (2) a discussion of the writing process…

Prepared as part of the evaluation of the Bay Area Writing Project (BAWP), this report examines the costs and funding of the components of BAWP that are primarily responsible for the dissemination effects of the project. Sections of the report contain the following: (1) a cost overview, with analyses of funding sources and project expenditures;…