This article defines research centers as associative enterprises for solving scholarly and societal problems that cannot be adequately addressed by individuals. The authors identify more than fifty research centers in rhetoric and writing, past and present, and argue that they function as change agents by emphasizing collaboration and conducting…

The author has never been good at math. When he was in 9th grade, he found gripping joy in Shakespeare, the wives of Henry VIII, the psychosis of Poe, the heroes of various revolutions, the perpetual pillaging of Alsace and Lorraine. However, his interests changed when he enrolled in the Central Virginia Governor's School (CVGS) for Science and…

A study investigated the effects on second graders' writing due to their participation in an electronic mail letter exchange. Subjects were 14 second-grade students who participated in a project on Virginia's Public Education Network, where they corresponded with a person in the character of Winnie-the-Pooh. A pre-test/posttest design was used in…

A study sought to promote improved work among six at-risk students in a third-grade writing workshop in a central Virginia school by varying the standard workshop format: mini lesson followed by free writing. The approach was to replace mini-lessons with multi-sensory, hands-on experiences followed by brainstorming activities and evaluate how the…

A study compared a traditional text-oriented spelling program to a non-traditional word study spelling program on the basis of four characteristics: students' academic success, students' self-esteem, interest in spelling, and time spent on- and off-task. The sample group consisted of two third grade classes, and both spelling programs had been…

In 1998 for the first time, the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) administered a writing assessment at the state level. This report describes the writing achievement of Virginia eighth-grade students and compares their overall performance to students in the Southeast region of the United States and the nation (using data from the…

A study examined methods for helping students earn their Literacy Passport, mandated for all students by the Virginia Department of Education, prior to entering the ninth grade, beginning in grade 6. Teachers were trained at North Accomack Elementary School (Virginia) in the use and implementation of the writing process and in writing to a prompt.…