Celebrating a School Success Story!

This month, we are thrilled to highlight the work of teachers and administrators at Friendship Charter School's Ideal Academy in Washington, DC. In talking with Yvonne Tackie, an instructional specialist and ELA leader, we heard about the changes the school made to support implementing new writing habits; most important were the benefits that the Five Types of Writing brought to her school. Ms. Tackie commended the Collins Writing Program for providing a common language and framework for teaching and using writing and a formal way to assess and track outcomes something they had previously been missing at Ideal Academy.

The implementation process began by providing teachers with time for professional discourse and collaborative work focused on writing (initially in the area of ELA and eventually expanding to writing across all subject areas). Ms. Tackie and her leadership team also conferenced with teachers to review work and offer feedback; scheduled opportunities for teachers to share their work with colleagues; observed lessons and provided time for teachers to do the same; and established a network of support as they encountered struggles and challenges.

Ms. Tackie is proud of creating this community of writing teachers, which has contributed to increased teacher investment and more focused planning. Writing instruction become more organized, deliberate, and effective and has led to renewed teacher commitment, engagement, and excitement at Ideal Academy. It has also contributed to better student investment and writing confidence. Once again, Ms. Tackie credits routine and structure. The impressive progress outlined in the attached profile attached profile speaks to the effectiveness of the program when implemented with fidelity. Here's just a taste of the results...

Have Your Own Success Story to Share?

After reading Ideal Academy's profile, we’d love for you to share with us your questions, comments, connections, or inspirations! Or, better yet, send us your own school or classroom profile - we would love to feature it in a future issue of The Exchange! A big thank you to Yvonne Tackie and her faculty for sharing their exciting work!

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