Improving on the writing and the teaching of writing.
The Spartanburg Writing Project (SWP) is a professional development organization that seeks to improve writing and the teaching of writing. Founded in 1982, SWP provides resources to teachers, students, schools and school districts in our service area.
SWP is an affiliate of the National Writing Project, which is a successful model for professional development with more than 180 sites worldwide.
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Our History
Founded in 1982, the Spartanburg Writing Project is a collaborative effort of Spartanburg County School Districts 1-7, the Union County School District and the University of South Carolina Upstate. Unlike other programs in education which have a 3-5 year life span, SWP is 25 years strong. We provide professional development programs offering:
- research-based methods in the teaching of writing.
- standards-aligned professional development.
- intensive support for improving student achievement and preparing students for PACT, HSAP, EOC, ACT and SAT writing.
- assessment-driven designs for comprehensive, effective writing curriculums.
Our Philosophy
SWP is a professional development organization committed to the mission of improving writing and the teaching of writing by providing services and resources to the teachers, students, schools and school districts in our service area.
Our proven steps to success include:
- planning collaboratively with schools to re-vision writing programs
- assessing student writing and designing curriculum to meet student needs
- supporting new practices through teacher training: coaching, mentoring and modeling.
Our Services
SWP provides ongoing professional development through a wide array of programs including:
- on-site workshops and teaching demonstrations.
- workshop series on using writing as a learning tool.
- graduate courses.
- teacher leadership institutes.
- writing workshop support groups.
- school partnerships.
- professional development conferences.
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More information coming soon!
An affiliate of the National Writing Project
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The Spartanburg Writing Project invites schools to apply to become a partner with SWP to develop strong writing programs.
The programs and projects offered in partnerships are based on best practices in teaching writing, reflect the South Carolina English Language Arts standards and model effective teaching to help prepare students for PACT and other standardized testing.
Partnerships include collaborative planning between the teachers and administrators of the school partner and the SWP staff. The needs and requests of the individual school determine the services offered, but typical programs include:
- Teaching demonstrations
- Mentoring and coaching
- Research study groups
- Curriculum development
- Teacher writing groups
- Training workshops
- Assessing student writing to inform teaching
Applications are due in the spring and will be reviewed in May. In June, schools accepted as partners and SWP staff will meet to begin planning programs for the following school year. Partnerships are for one year, but may be continued.
To apply, please fill out this form. For any questions, contact:
Tasha A. Thomas, Director
USC Upstate
800 University Way
Spartanburg, SC 29303
Office 864-503-5653
Fax 864-503-5825
tthomas@uscupstate.edu