Writing-Rich High School Classroom

Jennifer Berne, PhD, has been a writing teacher and an educator of writing teachers for 20 years. She began her career as a community college writing instructor, working with struggling readers and writers. Dr. Berne is currently Assistant Professor and Chair of Reading and Language at National-Louis University in Wheeling, Illinois. In addition to teaching and researching, she is a consultant to numerous school districts on the implementation and support of writing process instruction.

• 1. The High School Writing Workshop2. Setting Up and Managing the Writing Workshop3. Writing Assignments4. Planning and Prewriting5. Initial Drafting6. Writing Is Revising7. Peer Feedback8. Teacher Feedback9. Correctness in the Writing Workshop10. Evaluating Student WorkAppendix: Resources for Further Reading

Student-centered learning, while highly engaging, requires exceptional organizational skill on the part of the teacher. With clarity and precision, Berne addresses every contingency teachers are likely to encounter as they establish and maintain the writing workshop. Teachers will learn how to model, scaffold, differentiate instruction, and efficiently provide meaningful formative and summative evaluation--and their students will grow as writers and thinkers.--Lloyd Pollack, MEd, Literacy Specialist, Chicago Public Schools A valuable resource for all teachers who want to improve students' writing. By introducing various teaching scenarios, Berne presents a detailed, research-based teaching philosophy that addresses the unique needs of today's high school teachers and students.--Erica C. Boling, PhD, Graduate School of Education, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyConcise, comprehensive, and well written, this book will be eminently useful to beginning and experienced teachers alike. Berne reviews essential concepts and components of teaching the writing process. She offers research-based practices for creating writing communities where all students can become fluent, knowledgeable, and motivated authors. This is a refreshing, much-needed book that effectively brings the teaching and learning of writing back to their place of central importance in the high school curriculum.--Susan Florio-Ruane, EdD, Department of Teacher Education and Literacy Achievement Research Center, Michigan State University Berne provides a clear framework for successful implementation of the writing workshop, including practical strategies and organizational tools. The benefits of allowing students to take control of their learning--while maintaining high standards--resonate in each chapter. Berne's structured approach to a workshop-based classroom is the key to program sustainability. I recommend this book for both new and experienced writing workshop teachers.--Nancy Bartosz, MEd, Assistant Principal, Westmont High School, Westmont, Illinois-