Berkeley, CA, January 31, 2014 — The National Writing Project (NWP) of Berkeley, California, working with six local Writing Project sites across the country, will build teams to develop and implement Writing Our Future: The Family Academic Literacy Project. The goal of the project is to improve early school success by developing academic literacy program models with a focus on English learners and their families.
The 18-month project is funded by a $250,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan.
"This project builds on NWP's work with teachers of English learners nationwide and our recent Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education," said Judy Buchanan, acting executive director of the National Writing Project. "Writing Our Future: The Family Academic Literacy Project is a terrific opportunity for six sites to work with K-3 teachers and schools to develop specific program models to enhance academic literacy for young English learners."
With an investment in the professional development of peer leaders in six high-need elementary schools, the project will foster on-the-ground family academic literacy experiences through individual, family-oriented, and group activities. Furthermore, the program sites and local participants will join a national network where opportunities exist to learn from national practitioners and research experts and inquire into research-tested designs.