Writing-Rich High School Classroom: Engaging Students in the Writing Workshop

"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, Lieracy 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 Jersey

"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....I recommend this book for both new and experienced writing workshop teachers." —Nancy Bartosz, MEd, Assistant Principal, Westmont High School, Westmont, Illinois

"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-Ruanae, EdD, Department of Teacher Education and Literacy Achievement Research Center, Michigan State University

This unique resource gives teachers everything they need to set up and manage a successful writing workshop in a high school classroom. By creating a classroom centered on writing, the workshop approach helps students develop skills and strategies for mastering numerous writing tasks and genres. After introducing the workshop's fundamental principles and methods, the book explains how to guide students through the entire writing process, from planning to and drafting to revising, giving and receiving feedback, editing, and publishing their work. Guidelines for valid, reliable assessment and evaluation of student work are included. Enhancing the book's utility are numerous tables, figures, and "How's it done?" boxes that offer classroom-tested tools and tips.

This unique resource gives teachers everything they need to set up and manage a successful writing workshop in a high school classroom. By creating a classroom centered on writing, the workshop approach helps students develop skills and strategies for mastering numerous writing tasks and genres. After introducing the workshop's fundamental principles and methods, the book explains how to guide students through the entire writing process, from planning and drafting to revising, giving and receiving feedback, editing, and publishing their work. Guidelines for valid, reliable assessment and evaluation of student work are included. Enhancing the book's utility are numerous tables, figures, and "How's it done?" boxes that offer classroom-tested tools and tips.

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.