In summer 2014, CCWP offered a K-5 Mini Institute for teachers focused on Strategic Literacy Instruction and the Common Core Standards.  During this institute, CCWP teacher consultants guided participating teachers to:

• Analyze and discuss how to teach the text types and purposes in the Common Core State Standards

• Learn how to engage students in learning the CCSS Foundational Skills, Language Skills and Speaking/Listening Skills in the context of reading and writing

• Write and gather mentor texts to support student learning

• Share and learn about tools, strategies and formative assessments we can use to support student content learning

• Design units and instruction

In 2013-14 school year, CCWP  offered  a free writing group for teachers at the the Arts Council Santa Cruz County Meeting Room, Tannery Arts Center. Here’s the announcement for our first meeting, which was a great success!

• Teachers as Writers:
• To share and give feedback on personal and professional writing.
• To submit work to the Teachers as Writers page of the CCWP website.
• To provide one another with the support to grow as writers.
• To learn from one another in a safe environment.

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From 2011-2014 we ran an Improving Teacher Quality Program with Pajaro Valley Unified School District focusing on using the Common Core State Standards and enhancing writing in middle and high school classrooms. See the ALLIES Web site for more information.

A similar program, modeled after ALLIES, is funded by the National Writing Project to work with Gonzales High School teachers.

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CCWP highlighted events in our region that featured Connected Learning. Please contact Fred for more information.

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Explore Using Internet Resources to Research Family History,

a series of workshops at the

Watsonville Public Library

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Owning the Common Core Standards – Fall 2012

Rekindle Writing in the Classroom: Let’s Own the Common Core Standards

What:  A Reunion for CCWP fellows.  Join the conversation about the standards, CCWP’s work, and your part in it.  Meet to collaborate and share how the standards are working in your classroom.  Co-director Louann Baker will explore CCCSS standards with tips for any classroom.

When:  Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 from 10-12 p.m.

Where:  Andy Ausonio Library, 11160 Speegle Street, Castroville

Why:  Like a huge truck hurtling down the highway, the California Common Core Content Standards (CCCSS) are coming.  We want to be in the driver’s seat, not under the wheels.

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Young Writers Academy – Aptos

The CCWP offered two Academies for Young Writers during the Summer of 2012:
Young Writers Academy – Aptos: A Creative Writing Academy

Writers practiced story, one-act, and poetry forms; they participated in fun and challenging word games; had time to write on their own writing project; and received feedback from peers. Participants celebrated their experience with writing by being part of a Young Writers anthology which showcased each participant’s work.

This academy was taught by Barb Raney, an experienced writing teacher and a published poet who has taught creative writing throughout her teaching career. She currently teaches at Cabrillo College and CSUMB.

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Young Writers Academy – Santa Cruz

Where the Wild Writers Are:  Discovering Nature Through Writing

Participants developed and strengthened writing skills in the context of nature.  Journaling, genre study, creative art projects and nature activities, including hiking, were a few of the activities the writers experienced. Classroom teachers with expertise in writing provided one on one as well as small group attention. As a culminating event, family and friends were invited to a campfire where writers shared a polished piece for an anthology.

Writers Workshop Mini Institute 2012

Writers Workshop Mini Institute: Building Skills through the Narrative Genre: K-8

Using the Lucy Calkins model for Writers Workshop participants explored: mini lessons, genre study, student ownership of topic, creating a community of writers, analysis of mentor texts, time for talking and teacher modeling of the passion for writing. Teachers participated in their own Writers Workshop as well as developed one or more complete units for use in their 2012-2013 classrooms.