Illinois Writing Project
Illinois Writing Project Home What We're About Effective Programs Outstanding Leadership Proven Results Contact Us

Three statistical research studies confirmed that writing performance by students of Project-trained teachers was superior to that of students in classrooms where teachers had not received training. The first of these studies was reviewed and validated by the Illinois State Board of Education.


What Teachers Say

"Thank you for helping me gain confidence in my own writing and my ability to use it in my classroom."

"All teachers should invest time in taking this workshop. Reading and writing are so closely related and are used in all aspects of life. Anything that helps us prepare students to be lifelong learners is of value and should be stressed."

"I’m sure glad I attended. I had some pretty strong opinions before I even set foot in here. My friends laughed because I can be stubborn. But I wanted to keep an open mind. As an English major in college, I had some pre-formed ideas about how things should be done. I’m glad I kept an open mind because I’ve learned so much and want to try so many new things. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

"Seventeen years of workshops. This one has been the best. I have gotten more out of this one than all the others combined."

 

Authentic, interactive literacy
activities are effective

Two large-scale studies by the Consortium on Chicago School Research show that students score higher on standardized tests when writing assignments involve authentic intellectual work, and when instruction is interactive, rather than presentational.

The studies can be found on the Internet:

"Authentic Intellectual Work and Standardized Tests:
Conflict or Coexistence?"

"Instruction and Achievement in Chicago Elementary Schools"

 

Research Confirms
Improved Performance


Percent of students who met or exceeded goals on state assessments, in four Chicago schools that worked with the Illinois Writing Project and the Center for City Schools
(R=Reading, W=Writing)

 
 
3rd Grade
 
1995
1998
%
change
 
R
W
R
W
R
W
Jenner
21
65
27
69
+6
+4
Waters
26
50
48
81
+22
+31
Field
41
68
44
82
+3
+14
Irving
36
73
62
83
+26
+10
Cluster
Average
31
64
45
79
+14
+15
CPS
Average
45
86
45
76
0
-10
             
 
6th Grade
 
1995
1998
%
change
 
R
W
R
W
R
W
Jenner
25
71
34
95
+9
+24
Waters
44
87
44
81
0
-6
Field
23
78
43
92
+20
+14
Irving
57
98
58
93
+1
-5
Cluster
Average
37
84
45
90
+8
+6
CPS
Average
47
88
46
86
-1
-2
             
 
8th Grade
 
1995
1998
%
change
 
R
W
R
W
R
W
Jenner
26
59
47
100
+21
+41
Waters
50
52
59
94
+9
+42
Field
34
59
45
81
+11
+22
Irving
58
96
61
100
+3
+4
Cluster
Average
42
67
53
94
+11
+24
CPS
Average
49
75
50
75
+1
0
             

Click here for further research data on the effectiveness of the National Writing Project.