Focus on Writing Instruction This Fall with the ATLAS Writing Study Circle

Back by popular demand, the Writing Study Circle is scheduled for this fall and is open to teachers of all levels!

Participant feedback

A strong theme that emerged in feedback from past Writing Study Circles was an appreciation for the practical and concrete approach to writing that the study circles took. One participant remarked that the study circle gave her valuable ideas that had been “tried in the trenches.” There was also a sense of greater confidence on the part of the participants in terms of incorporating more writing with their students, including a participant reflecting that “there are so many things I can do to help my students become better writers.” Another noted that participating in the study circle “affirmed that I’m already doing good work in this area.” 

In addition, many of the participants said that having an opportunity to talk about writing with a small group was very helpful and that they now had the goal of including more writing in every lesson, no matter the content. Participants also mentioned feeling encouraged to develop more as teachers of writing after having taken some initial steps in the study circles to learn more, also expressing a desire to contribute to future professional development efforts around writing instruction. In fact, several study circle participants from earlier this year participated in a panel presentation at the Spring ABE Virtual Conference in April to share with colleagues some of their favorite writing strategies!

Study circle structure

The fall 2023 study circle meetings will be virtual, making participation from around the state easier. Participants will have the opportunity to dig deeply into some resources related to writing instruction and then implement key strategies with their students. The four study circle meetings will be an opportunity to connect with colleagues in a highly supportive and collaborative space to talk about what is working and what challenges exist around teaching writing to adult learners.

Please note the following important details when considering whether to apply:

• In the Writing Study Circle, you will be reading about, implementing, and reflecting on strategies for effective writing instruction. This means that you are currently teaching or have access to an ABE classroom and students in which to try out your ideas.
• You have an interest in completing reading assignments between meetings in order to build up a stronger writing instruction knowledge base.
• You will also be asked to actively participate during the 4 meetings (these will not be workshops) and share your ideas.
• You can commit to the dates and activities detailed in the next section.

Dates for virtual meetings

All meetings will run virtually from 1:30-4:00 pm CST.

• Meeting 1 – October 2, 2023
• Meeting 2 – October 23, 2023
• Meeting 3 – November 13, 2023
• Meeting 4 – December 4, 2023

 Supports for Participants

• In order to support participation, each participant will receive a stipend of $125 upon completion of all required cohort activities, in addition to 18 CEUs.

What will you learn by being in this study circle?

Participants will be able to…

• Identify the three kinds of writing: provisional, readable and polished writing
• Strengthen understanding of how writing at all levels and in all content areas helps to develop students’ reasoning and communication skills
• Learn some concrete routines/strategies and increase the frequency with which they integrate the routines/strategies into all levels and contexts
• See the value in prioritizing the process of writing rather than the final product
• Connect with fellow ABE practitioners and create a supportive environment that fosters well-being for ourselves, our students, and our workplaces

Apply now!

Applications for the Writing Study Circle are due September 22, 2023, and participants will be notified by September 25, 2023, of their acceptance.

• FILL OUT APPLICATION >>

Check out the application for more details about this study circle. Please direct any questions regarding the application to Kristine Kelly, ATLAS Literacy Coordinator ([email protected]).