1. THE WORKSHOP MODEL

The Oregon Writing Project at the University of Oregon is affiliated with the National Writing Project network. It includes more than 170 projects in 50 states and abroad which have adopted the successful model of the University of California, Berkeley/Bay Area Writing Project. This workshop model has achieved national recognition for improving students' writing by increasing teachers' knowledge and instructional skills for using writing to increase learning in all subject areas.

The success of this model is a result of maximizing the direct participation of teachers. According to the National Writing Project model, experienced teachers are selected to demonstrate effective practices and share with each other in workshop settings. In addition, participants do their own writing in order to rediscover and maintain positive attitudes toward the importance of both writing instruction and their own writing capabilities.

The Center for Advanced Technology in Education (CATE) at the University of Oregon has pioneered applications of computers for teaching and learning at all grade levels since 1982. A CATE affiliate, the Center for Electronic Studying, conducts research about the use of computerized notetaking, collaborative tutoring, and related computer-based study strategies for students.

2. STRUCTURE OF THE INSTITUTE

There are two phases in the OWP Summer Institute:

OWP SUMMER INSTITUTE WORKSHOP
 (TED 608), 6 credits, Summer 2008

The Summer Institute Workshop presents current theories and methods for teaching writing, using technology to support literacy instruction, and improving teachers' own writing and inservice skills.

OWP SUMMER INSTITUTE PRACTICUM
 (TED 609), 3 credits, Schoool Year, 2008-09

The School Year Practicum presents follow-up activities and support for teachers' to apply new strategies in their classrooms and share results with their OWP cohort.

The Institute Workshop meets Monday through Friday, noon, for four weeks. Mornings (8:30 am to noon) will include sharing knowledge and classroom strategies, with demonstrations by participating teachers and guest specialists. Afternoons (1 pm to 3 pm) will focus on current approaches for teaching computers and writing and on working in peer response/editing groups.

TECHNOLOGY ACTIVITIES

  • Electronic information organizing
  • On-line collaborative response/working groups
  • Familiarity with Internet and World Wide Web resources
  • Building an on-line network for discussions with colleagues during the following years

WORKSHOP GOALS

  • Improving skills for teaching writing in your subject area
  • Developing your own writing skills
  • Exploring current electronic learning capabilities
  • Developing inservice presentations for school workshops and professional meetings

3. COSTS TO PARTICIPANTS

Tuition is at a special rate of $1,530 for the total of 9 graduate credits for both the Oregon Writing Project Summer Institute Workshop (TED 608) and Practicum (TED 609). Registration and payment are required for both courses in summer. Up to 3 additional credits of Reading & Conference are available at the same OWP rate of $170/credit. These credits may qualify for Professional Development Units (PDU) for teachers' Continuing Professional Development Plans. Teachers should consult with their districts and Continuing Teaching License program providers.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Tuition scholarships of up to $1200 are available for participants who do not have district support or other reimbursement. Funds are provided by a grant from the National Writing Project Corporation.

Campus residency scholarships of up to $250 are available to help with room-and-board expenses of participants who live beyond commuting distance to campus. A limited number of awards are provided by a grant from the Jackson Foundation, Portland.

 

4. CREDIT & GRADING

Registration is required in summer for both courses in the OWP Summer Institute: Workshop (TED 608), 6 credits, and Practicum (TED 609), 3 credits. You will receive a grade for the Workshop in July and for the Practicum when completed in spring, 2009. The Practicum involves follow-up activities and support for applying new strategies in your classes and sharing results with your OWP cohort. For both courses, you may sign up for either Graded or Pass/No Pass.

 

5. EXTRA CREDIT

Up to 3 additional credits of Reading and Conference (TED 605) are available at the same OWP rate of $170/credit. You can use this course for individual study and curriculum planning to continue your Workshop activities and prepare for the Practicum. However, note that UO allows no more than 16 graduate credits for your total enrollment in any one summer session.

 

6. APPLICATION PROCESS

Fill out preregistration form on the mailed paper brochure or submit your version of the information requested on the preregistration application. Enrollment is limited. Notification of acceptance, scholarships, and registration procedure will be mailed shortly after receipt of completed application materials.