National Writing Project

Local Site Research Initiative Project

Cohort VI

NWP is currently accepting proposals for Cohort VI of the Local Site Research Initiative (LSRI). The Local Site Research Initiative is intended to build a portfolio of rigorous, context-specific evaluation studies of local writing project work.

A central feature of the NWP model is that the specific design of professional development programs varies according to local needs, reform priorities, school conditions, and research contexts. Each writing project site emphasizes common core principles of effective instruction, while the design and delivery of services is negotiated locally.

NWP's goal for the LSRI is to develop a growing body of research that examines local professional development programs based on these core principles and that illuminates teacher practices and student achievement in writing across a range of grade levels, schools, and local contexts.

The LSRI exists for the following purposes:

  • To build site capacity for conducting research
  • To generate research results that are locally useful
  • To promote evidence-based planning and decision making as an operating norm within sites and within NWP nationally
  • To contribute to the national picture of NWP impact.

Request for Proposals

We invite proposals of two types, and invite conversations with site leaders to determine which type is most appropriate:

  • Sites that are not yet ready to launch a research project but are interested in exploring research and evaluation through the LSRI are encouraged to submit a proposal that includes a year for development and exploration, with the expectation of developing a full research plan for the following year(s). Sites interested in an additional year for exploration and development of a research plan should complete the underlined questions in Part II of the RFP.
  • Sites ready to conduct research through LSRI should complete all of Part II of the RFP. Sites should plan to collect data over a two-year period and to allow a year for analysis and report writing.

Download the RFP below for more details. Deadline: January 20, 2010.

Downloadable Files

LSRI Cohort VI RFP
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Questions

For more information, contact Sherry Swain at sswain@nwp.org.
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