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| Introduction | Creative Writing | Writing Strategies for Special Education Students |
| History | Reflective Writing | High Stakes Testing/Analytical Writing |
| Free-writing | Motivation and Engagement | Professional Development/Final Thought |
Professional DevelopmentProfessional development is an important aspect of any career in teaching. With the current trend in high-stakes testing, professional development programs now include writing strategy instructions that are teacher-friendly and can be implemented across the curriculum. It is important for school districts to recognize that not all teachers feel comfortable teaching writing skills. Administrators that understand this dilemma do their teachers a great service by providing a well thought-out professional development program on strategies that teach educators how to teach writing (Fleischer, 2004) Teachers and researchers continue to exploring various pedagogical methods that encourage students to transcribe their thinking. Well-planned instructional strategies that incorporate students’ participation have been shown to encourage production and willingness to write. Expressive journal writing is an avenue toward engaging students in the writing process. Whether it is free-writing, creative writing, or reflective writing students take ownership of their work. Writing cultivates a sense of pride and accomplishment. It is a permanent record of the student’s/writer’s voice. |
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