Videos

Hesse talks about some of the strengths of the standards—learning to write an argument, writing in the sciences—but also warns that they downplay the social and interpersonal aspects of writing.

Hesse shares some “low stakes” ways that content area teachers can bring writing into their classrooms every week.

Principals can help create a school culture for writing by providing curricular time, celebrating student writing through awards, and supporting school newspapers and literary clubs.

Teachers should encourage students to think of writing as a response to a unique situation and audience, and as an act of inquiry.

Hesse doesn’t expect his students to be perfect writers when they come to college.

Hesse sees writing not only as a mandatory skill—it is also as an authentic way for students to analyze, create, and convey knowledge.

Hesse talks about his academic and professional experience, including his current role as director of the writing program at the University of Denver.

How can teachers help students learn to argue, learn to offer evidence for claims that they are making, and listen to other people’s point of view?

Teachers should provide more time in class for revising and help the students take ownership of their drafts as they recognize what they want to change in their writing.

Teachers need to learn what to do that actually makes a difference for student writers rather than just perfectly correcting papers.