We are living in one of the most exciting times in media history.  No matter what career you end up choosing, or what path you end up choosing to travel, you will be a writer for the rest of your life.  As the digital age accelerates, and as more aspects of our lives are conducted online how we present ourselves in writing will only get more important.   

It is the crucial way in which we process the world around us. The Oregon Writing Project at the University of Oregon’s (OWP/UO) professional development programs, through their work with teachers of all grade levels and content areas, teaches new strategies to help students become accomplished writers in the digital age. The Internet has billions of readers. What it needs are good writers.

A Network of University-Based Sites

Five regional sites make up the OWP network,  serving teachers from all corners of the state.  Eastern Oregon University, Lewis and Clark, Willamette, University of Oregon and Southern Oregon University each host a site. Sites work with area school districts to offer high-quality professional development programs for educators. National research studies  have confirmed significant gains in writing performance among students of teachers who have participated in Oregon Writing Project programs.

Program Model

OWP sites share a national program model, adhering to a set of shared principles and practices for teacher’s professional development. In addition to developing a cadre of local teachers called Teacher Consultants, OWP/UO also develops a cadre of Technology Teacher Consultants.  OWP/UO designs and delivers customized in-service programs for local schools, districts through participation in NWP’s  Special Focus Networks:  Rural, Technology and ELL.  Additionally, OWP/UO delivers customized inservice programs through  Partnership Programs and Embedded Institutes.

National research studies (http://www.nwp.org/cs/public/print/doc/results.csp)