Report: the Neglected "R". (Curriculum update: the latest developments in math, science, language arts and social studies).Not unlike many issues in public education, it all boils Boils Definition Boils and carbuncles are bacterial infections of hair follicles and surrounding skin that form pustules (small blister-like swellings containing pus) around the follicle. Boils are sometimes called furuncles. down to time and money. A group of superintendents, university leaders and teachers, assisted by a panel of writing experts, has called for a dramatic increase in both these resources devoted to student writing. That's just one key recommendation of the recently released report, The Neglected "R": The Need for a Writing Revolution. Stressing that writing is essential to educational and career success and central to self-expression self-ex·pres·sion n. Expression of one's own personality, feelings, or ideas, as through speech or art: "Self-expression must pass into communication for its fulfillment" Pearl S. Buck. and civic participation, the report argues that it has been shortchanged in the school reform movement. Local education leaders are asked to: Develop clear, unambiguous and comprehensive policies that aim to double the amount of time students spend writing. One way to make time is by assigning as·sign tr.v. as·signed, as·sign·ing, as·signs 1. To set apart for a particular purpose; designate: assigned a day for the inspection. 2. written work as part of normal homework assignments. Parents should be encouraged to see themselves as writing partners by sharing their own writing and reviewing written work as their children complete it. Ensure that writing is taught at all grade levels and in all subjects, Because of the "near-total neglect of writing outside English departments Noun 1. English department - the academic department responsible for teaching English and American literature department of English academic department - a division of a school that is responsible for a given subject ," time for writing could be expanded greatly if teachers of history, foreign languages, math, home economics, science, physical education, art and social science assigned as·sign tr.v. as·signed, as·sign·ing, as·signs 1. To set apart for a particular purpose; designate: assigned a day for the inspection. 2. written work. Provide professional development for teachers. Common expectations about writing should be developed across disciplines through in-service in-service In-service training adjective Referring to any form of on-the-job training noun In-service training of an employee workshops designed to help teachers understand good writing and to develop their own writing ability. The report, which was produced by the National Commission on Writing in America's Schools and Colleges, also includes an action agenda. The commission proposes the creation of a new group charged with implementing a five-year Writing Challenge for the Nation. With support from education, government, business and philanthropic phil·an·throp·ic also phil·an·throp·i·cal adj. 1. Of, relating to, or marked by philanthropy; humanitarian. 2. Organized to provide humanitarian or charitable assistance: leaders, it will issue progress reports, map the terrain ahead and provide assistance to educators as they iron out the details of writing assessment, the use of technology and other issues. Contact Alan Heaps, aheaps@ collegeboard.org, with suggestions or questions about the challenge, which will also assist in getting adequate resources to implement the effort. www.writingcommission.org |
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