Common Core State Standards
Online Classes
NIWP is currently in the process of preparing an online class, through the University of Idaho, to help teachers develop a clear understanding of the Common Core. These classes will help you get to know each of the literacy standards, make connections to the curriculum you are already using and help you develop strategies and lessons to fully implement the common core throughout your year.
Professional development for your staff
NIWP has put together a training or set of trainings, depending on your needs, to bring the Common Core into your school. We have a system designed and tested that will help your staff become more comfortable with the standards that will soon be rolling out. Don’t be left in the dark or wait until the last minute to start digging into the future of education. Contact NIWP to find out how we can come and facilitate the training necessary to walk confidently forward with the Common Core.
Writing & Reading Retreat
Hosted in the beautiful and serene Camp N-Sid-Sen on the banks of Lake Coeur d’Alene, this retreat is a special initiative of the publications committee. Participants spend the days attending optional workshops provided by published authors, writing and reading focused on personal projects, and receiving valuable feedback from other NIWP members and writers. Nightly campfires give participants the opportunity to share rough drafts, polished pieces, or even work of other authors. Part rigorous dedication, part uplifting rejuvenation, this retreat is all about enriching the writer and reader within all of us. For more information contact Bev Wolff.
Book-Reading Groups
These groups are sponsored in-district to discuss selected books often used in inland northwest classrooms or books that support curriculum. A variety of themes are covered from year to year including literacy in the classroom to writing conferences in peer editing groups. Educators collaborate in a number of ways to consider powerful themes, strategies, and resources for literature. If you are interested in either leading or participating in a group, please contact April Niemela.
The Literature Project
Meeting over a two-week period, the Literature Project is an experience based class where students of all teaching levels look at comprehension strategies for readers. Different types of literature and discussion of comprehension strategies energizes participants, giving them the foundation to then relate these experiences to how students comprehend all types of text. The strategies focused on are making connections, questioning, visualizing, inferring, determining importance, and synthesizing. For more information on the Literature Project contact Jacky Mosman.
Spring Conference
Tucked in the hustle and bustle of Spokane is the site of the Northwest Inland Writing Project’s Spring Conference at the Spokane Convention Center. During two days each spring, NIWP Teacher Consultants, area educators, and guest speakers meet on this college campus to attend educational workshops and listen to keynote addresses. Spring Conferences of the past have featured well-known speakers such as Ralph Fletcher, Sheridan Blau, Barry Lane, and Carol Jago. For more information contact Emily Duvall.
Writing for Professional Publication Retreat
Between opportunities for extended, uninterrupted writing, prepared gourmet meals, and conversations with teachers from Idaho, Washington, and other parts of the country, participants confer with other writers and a guest professional editor of publications for teachers. Focused on providing professional assistance to teacher-writers who are interested in publishing their teaching ideas, this retreat is held for four days during the summer on the picturesque campus of the University of Idaho McCall Field Campus on Payette Lake. Watch the website for registration information. This retreat is open to all teacher-writers. NIWP teacher consultants are eligible for stipends to cover retreat expenses.
The Young Authors’ Conference (YAC)
Open to area students in grades 6-12, the Young Authors’ Conference brings popular authors of young adult literature directly to schools. Past authors have included Chris Crutcher, Jerry Spinelli, and Terry Trueman. Usually scheduled in November, the Young Authors’ Conference is open to any group of students, chaperoned by teachers, parents, or community leaders. After attending the key note address, each attendee participates in three writing workshops led by NIWP Teacher Consultants or other professional educators. Chaperones must register by the last Friday in October to guarantee books and journals for everyone. Flyers will be distributed to schools and information posted on the NIWP web page prior to the event. Currently, the YAC is held in South Fremont High School, St. Anthony, Idaho. For cost per student and additional information, email Bonnie Warne.