The Louisville Writing Project (LWP) is an exemplary site of the National Writing Project, the Kentucky Writing Program, the University of Louisville College of Education and Human Development, and the Jefferson County Public Schools. It is also an affiliate of the Kentucky Writing Project state network. Learn more about the LWP by following the links and text below:

• Online Registration for LWP Events
• Calendar of Events
• LWP Rank I
• Upcoming Programs and Application Forms
• Other LWP Opportunities
• Demonstration Sites
• Rag Rug
• Teacher Research
• Online Library Automation Service
• State Network Opportunities
• Journal for Literacy Leaders

What is the Louisville Writing Project?

LWP is affiliated with the National Writing Project network which, with federal funding since 1991, helps support 200 sites across the country and abroad.

Our site works with schools to provide and promote professional development in literacy for teachers of all grade levels and content areas. The Project is not just a summer opportunity. LWP also sponsors advanced institutes, study groups, demonstration sites, mini-conferences, teacher publications, and social events for our network members

Participants are also invited to continue their exploration of literacy by joining an LWP Rank I cohort. While earning the Rank I, teachers can continue the collegial relationships and spirit of inquiry begun during the institute.

What is the Purpose of the Project?

The Louisville Writing Project, now moving into its 26th year, seeks to help improve the writing skills of students, Primary-College, through preparing teachers who then work with their own students and with other teachers during the following school year in their own and other schools. Goals for the Project include

• improved writing skills among students
• more comprehensive understanding among teachers of assessment methods, especially the use of portfolios
• enhanced writing instruction at all levels in all subjects
• greater utilization of teacher expertise in the teaching of writing
• continuing communication between university faculty and teachers.

The NWP Approach

The National Writing Project is a program that is open to the best that is known about the teaching of writing from whatever source: from literature in the field, from research, and from the insights and experiences of successful teachers at all levels. The Writing Project proposes no packaged plans, no teacher-proof materials, no set formulae for teaching writing. We promote no single approach, though we favor a number of ideas that have emerged over the past decade, ideas now confirmed by more and more teachers. The National Writing Project remains open to discovery and qualification. This position is the sustaining strength of the Project.

Basic Assumptions of the National Project Model

• Writing is fundamental to learning in all subject areas and at all grade levels. Summer Institutes therefore involve teachers from all disciplines and levels of instruction, primary through university.
• As the process of writing can best be understood by engaging in this process, teachers of writing should write.
• Teachers are the best teachers of teachers; successful practicing teachers have greater credibility with their colleagues than outside experts.
• Real change in classroom practice happens over time. Working as partners, universities and schools can articulate and promote effective school reform.
• Effective professional development programs are on-going and systematic, bringing teachers together regularly throughout their careers to examine successful practices and new developments (NWP, 1998).

For additional information or if you have any questions about the accuracy or currency of the information on this web page, contact Director Jean Hicks 502-852-4544.