What is a Demonstration Site?

Exemplary teachers at sites in Jefferson, Oldham, Bullitt, and Nelson County open their classrooms to visiting teachers to model best practices in writing instruction. Later, visits to your site by Louisville Writing Project directors and consultants provide support to teachers are they try new strategies.

This professional development model aims to improve writing instruction and student achievement in writing and is consistent with current research which supports long-term PD rather than one-shot inservice opportunities.

Teachers interested in improving writing instruction form a study group with the Demonstration Site consultant, meeting regularly and supporting each other as they make changes in their writing practices. LWP directors visit study group members at their own schools after their visits to the demonstration site.

• Unlocking Doors: Lessons from the LWP Demo Sites
  By Cheryl Carr (XIII; Alpha), Dee Hawkins (XIII), Mary Frances Landenwich (XVII; Alpha); Pennie Miller (X), and Debbie Parsons (XV)

Schoolwide Benefits

• Builds capacity to improve writing in all subject areas
• Improves student achievement in writing
• Provides the kind of on-going and long-term support that brings about change in teaching

Why Teachers Will Find This Opportunity Beneficial

• Opportunity to see best practices in writing instruction in a REAL CLASSROOM
• Experience in using a workshop method of teaching
• Opportunity to receive one-on-one coaching and consultation
• Increased understanding of the relationship between teaching methodology and state writing assessment scores
• Opportunity to participate in a study group with colleagues
• Format that is consistent with adult learning needs (observe, try, talk about, receive feedback and support)
• Opportunity for participants to tailor the experience to their interests and needs
• Continuous access to the consultant over the course of the year