The Teacher Inquiry and Writing Institute
Thinking Together, Writing Together
This summer the Greater Madison Writing Project (GMWP) launched the inaugural Teacher Inquiry and Writing Institute (TIWI) with a focus on assessment.The goals for the institute are reflected in the institute’s name:
Teachers are at the center of GMWP activities because of our fundamental belief that educational reform and improved educational outcomes can only happen with and through teachers.
A spirit of inquiry defines our work — the drive to understand our pedagogy, question its efficacy, and continually seek improvement for the betterment of our students. Our discussions, professional readings, and writing will all center around Why we assess the way we do, What our current assessment practices value, and How we can assess better.
Writing helps the inquiring teacher reflect and solidify ideas. As Zinsser said, “Writing organizes and clarifies our thoughts…Writing enables us to find out what we know — and what we don’t know — about whatever we’re trying to learn.” And so this institute will value teacher writing by having participants publish blogs monthly that show the progression of thinking.
The institute is designed as a two year process: one year for inquiry and experimentation in the classroom and one year to continue inquiry while supporting change. The assessment cohort will work as a supportive community to learn from each other, united by a common purpose.
So why assessment? Because we are committed to doing better for our students, our colleagues, ourselves, our future. Assessment is essential to not only instruction, but to action in general. And we, as a cohort, are striving toward actions that better align our values and assessment practices.
We at the GMWP are excited for this two year venture. Come learn with us as our cohort posts monthly about our learning and our questioning on assessment.
