This summer, more than 3,000 teachers will spend at least four weeks learning how to improve their students' writing skills. They'll study the latest research and classroom practices at summer institutes established by the National Writing Project (NWP).

Valerie Fisher, a teacher here in Tucson attending the summer institute at the University of Arizona, said, "Ultimately, my teaching is going to improve dramatically." She added that she wants to replicate the institute's atmosphere where students support and encourage each other as well as contribute to overall creativity.

Dedicated to improving writing and learning in schools, the National Writing Project has more than 200 writing institutes throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The nonprofit organization offers a number of programs, including high-quality professional development and workshops to develop local teacher-consultants.

Study after study shows that students of National Writing Project teachers made gains in writing achievement, especially in idea development and organization. Clearly, NWP is doing something right. I particularly like the section of their website titled Encourage Writing, which offers specific suggestions for parents and teachers to use with children at home and in the classroom. In addition to easily implemented tips such as exchanging Post-it® notes on pillows or in lunch boxes, NWP also links reading and writing strategies.

I encourage you to use this terrific website's suggestions and help your children avoid the summer slide. You may also want to look at our own Writing A-Z, which offers a complete collection of writing lessons and resources. It is aligned to the six traits as well as to state writing standards.