Berkeley, CA, July 24, 2018 — Teaching is a vocation, and educators need high-quality, evidence-based preparation and ongoing professional development to be the effective teachers they want to be. The National Writing Project enthusiastically endorses the provisions of the AIM Higher Act that recognize the importance of supporting prospective, novice, and practicing educators in comprehensive literacy instruction. What students need to know and be able to do to be ready for higher education, work, and civic life is constantly evolving. It is clear, however, that all citizens need advanced literacy skills in order to think critically as well as to access new information and technologies. As an organization committed to helping youth become successful writers and learners, we look forward to working with lawmakers who share our commitment and who want to improve the preparation and supports for the teaching workforce as the process of reauthorizing the Higher Education Act continues.

Attributed to Elyse Eidman-Aadahl, Executive Director, National Writing Project