Hundreds of thousands of teachers have participated in writing projects around the globe. James Moffett has referred to the writing project movement as "the most positive development in English education" since World War II. But what happens when teachers leave their summer writing projects and return to their classrooms?
In "Attempting Change," Dave Wilson answers this question and many others. He examines the post-project lives of secondary English teachers who participated in Iowa Writing Project institutes during two different summers. Using surveys, interviews, case studies, and classroom observation, Wilson describes the complex relationship between these teachers' practices and beliefs when they attempted to change their approach to the teaching of writing.
Alive with the voices of classroom teachers and their students, "Attempting Change" tells the stories of teachers like Robin, Wilma, Eileen, and Hal, moving inside their homes and classrooms as they try to make sense of their experiences in the writing project and their lives as teachers. Often, teachers' participation in a summer writing project is a turning point in their careers. Many teachers leave feeling guilty about past practices and eager to try new ones in their classrooms. Wilson lets readers see and understand the guilt and excitement, the successes and difficulties experienced by these teachers.
"Attempting Change" is invaluable for teachers, teacher educators, and writing project instructors and directors seeking a better understanding of the ways writing projects influence classroom teachers and the realities of these teachers' post-project lives.
