Considers five ways in which the theories that inform writers' workshop have been oversimplified to the point where the power and intent of the original idea is lost. Argues that these oversimplified ideas need to be examined and made complex again. Presents Donald Murray's supportive response to the article. (SR)

Discusses the use of stories in teacher education. Presents a selection of 12 stories and fables that have been used successfully in preservice and inservice teacher training workshops around he world. For each story, a suggested theme to connect it to teaching is included. (Author/VWL)

Considers how encouraging students to tell their own stories in their first languages as well as in English develops academic strategies and a sense of identity. Shares what the authors have learned about how to bring together two teaching disciplines that have sometimes followed separate tracks--the teaching of writing and the teaching of second…

Of 357 Pennsylvania residents who received booklets on Y2K preparedness, 187 attended workshops. Nearly 50% read all or most of the booklets; over 50% reported preparing for an emergency because of the booklet or workshop. Older and more educated consumers were more likely to take action. Short, visually appealing materials increased likelihood of…

This action research project targeted teacher absenteeism at professional development events, findings no significant patterns in time of day, location, workshop topic, and teaching level. Instead, a pattern of chronic absenteeism for some individuals was noted. An action plan included increased marketing, communication with individual no-show…

Describes a workshop for teachers. Questions include: (1) In what ways are science, reading, and writing linked?; (2) What does it mean to focus learning on the big ideas in the sciences?; (3) Should reading precede experience or should experience precede reading?; (4) How does a teacher decide which type of book or reading to select for…

Explains the creation of the New Visions/New Voices festival which focuses attention on developing new scripts for young audiences. Notes that unlike other playwriting programs, New Visions does not require a complete script for application. Outlines the selection, casting, rehearsal process, dramaturg involvement, and post-reading discussions of…

Considers how the College Essay Program, a long-standing tradition in the North Salem Central School District, helps students prepare a written personal statement essay for needs such as college admission applications. Concludes that college essays are engaging personal statements, difficult to write down, that bring a human dimension to the…

This paper examines predictors of attendance at parenting workshops. Variables that were considered as predictors of parent attendance include social demographic characteristics, parent characteristics, and child characteristics. Parent education and parent's perception of their child's antisocial behavior both had positive and statistically…

Discusses ways in which a ninth grade advanced placement English teacher adapted her teaching methods to an obviously talented writer. Notes that teacher and talented student have entered a new dimension, not only of ownership but of voice--the writing zone. (RS)

Describes a three-day group dynamics workshop which became part of a three-week summer institute designed to address the affective needs of gifted and talented adolescents. Discusses the workshop which contained activities designed to prepare the adolescents for completing communication with retirees. (Author/ABL)

A workhome was developed in which 20 adolescents with chronic autism live, work, and enjoy leisure activities in an interlinked environment. Residents have a sheltered but meaningful life without having to strive for "normality." This brief research report describes the workhome's residents, program of structured activities, staffing, and…

Describes a one-day Exemplary Writers' Workshop designed to recognize the writing products of secondary students. Lists workshop goals: providing students with opportunities to interact with professional writers; letting students interact with higher education faculty; and providing students with information about becoming a published writer. (RS)

Describes the efforts of two regional foreign language conferences to disseminate the conference programs to teachers not able to participate. Dissemination workshops offer outreach benefits both to teachers instructing their colleagues and to teachers who are able to participate in a program exposing them to current thought and pedagogy from the…

Describes gender role workshop for adults using phases of the gender role journey, including workshop's assumptions, norms, and media. Presents evaluation of participants (N=84) which indicated they were affected personally and professionally over the various time periods. (Author/ABL)