8/9-8/12 EmPOWER: A Method for Teaching Expository Writing Level I Certification - Grades 2 - 8

Dr. Bonnie Singer from Architects for Learning will present EmPOWER:  A Method for Teaching Expository Writing Level I Certification - Grades 3 - 8 from August 9 - 12, 2010 (plus 5 follow-up dates).  Registration begins in the spring.  EmPOWER is an instructional method for teaching students to write expository text that was developed by Dr. Bonnie Singer and Dr. Anthony Bashir. It has evolved from many years of working with students, teachers, and schools on developing an effective approach to teaching students strategies for managing their school writing assignments.  EmPOWER does not replace existing writing curriculum; it helps teachers deliver their curriculum more effectively so that they meet their own curriculum and instructional goals. With EmPOWER, teachers guide their students step-by-step through the expository writing process, teaching strategies necessary for developing well-written text. By answering a series of questions, and strategies that build on one another, students learn to be more independent with evaluating and analyzing their assignments, setting individual goals, seeing the organizational patterns of their thinking, transferring their thinking into well-structured text, and evaluating and revising their work before handing in a final paper. In the end, teachers are empowered to take their students where they want them to go as writers, and students are empowered to take ownership of their own writing.

The EmPOWER method presents strategies to facilitate success for all learners, however, struggling writers in particular will benefit greatly from this highly-structured set of strategies. The EmPOWER method also enhances and expands upon the tools available to teachers during "Tier 1: Instruction" of the RTI model.

This graduate level course requires participants to: attend all sessions; complete lesson plans and reflections for each step of EmPOWER; have access to a computer with email and internet capabilities. Participants will be required to submit work products on-line via a website. Assistance and technology support will be provided by Architects For Learning personnel to participants in this course.

Registration for this institute is due by June 28, 2010. Please include summer email address for confirmation and directions.

LOCATION: Hampton Inn, 319 Speen Street, Natick, MA

Certificate of 67.5 PDPs will be awarded. 

Three graduate credits available through Endicott Colleg $150.00  (optional).