National Writing Project

Awards Grant To Fairfield U

FAIRFIELD — The National Writing Project has warded $38,000 to the Connecticut Writing Project (CPW) at Fairfield University for 2003–2004 to aid in enhancing its program of strengthening students’ writing abilities by improving the teaching and learning of writing and expanding the professional role of teachers.

The grant to CWP is matched by funds from the budget of the Connecticut State legislature as well as from a supporting grant from the Tauck Foundation.

“The Connecticut Writing Project –– Fairfield is part of a national network that uses the model of teachers teaching teachers,” said Faye Gage, director of CWP-Fairfield. “Through the exchange of ideas by highly qualified professionals and the use of current research regarding theory and effective practices in promoting literacy among students of all ages, participants in the various CWP Institutes learn both theory and appropriate strategies to bring back to their classrooms.”

CWP-Fairfield is in its third year of existence at Fairfield University. It has trained more than 250 teachers, kindergarten through college, in areas such as math, science, history, English, and language arts. CWP-Fairfield offers a rich assortment of programs including nationally recognized speakers on reading, writing, and learning issues; the Institute on the Teaching of Literature for grade six–12, a weeklong program focusing on ways to promote students’ interest in reading writing in a reader response classroom; the Young Writers Institute, a two-week program for students entering grades six–11; and an Advanced Writers Institute, for past fellows.

Questions about CWP-Fairfield should be made to Dana Ambrosini, at 203-254-4000, extension 2726.