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Frequently Asked Questions about WITS How long is a residency? During year-long, 28-day residencies, the writer and teacher(s) work together in teaching three class hours for one day each week. Each residency includes over 30 hours for curriculum planning and evaluation. Who are the writers-in-residence? Writers-in-residence are professional, published, creative writers who live in the Puget Sound region. All of our writers are experienced writing teachers. What comprises a typical "residency" day? In a typical residency, the writer-in-residence works with three classes of students for one period each week. During a typical class, the writer presents a writing exercise or lesson and students spend time writing in response to the lesson. The class ends with students sharing their work out loud. How do students benefit? Teachers report that students are more confident and enthusiastic about writing and reading, and write more effectively through revision. In evaluating themselves, most students state that their writing has "improved" or "greatly improved" through their participation in WITS. Their interest level and self-confidence in writing, reading, and performance also increases. How do teachers benefit? Teachers are invigorated through in-class collaboration with professional writers. Teachers often develop new writing curriculum based on their work with the writer, reaching students well beyond the writer's residency. Teachers also have an opportunity to improve their own writing skills. How do schools benefit? Not a one-time, drop-in program, WITS is committed to creating systemic change in the classroom and throughout the school community. Substantial resources are provided to all parties—teachers, writers, and students—to promote long-term growth and whole-school change. What does the program cost? The program costs nearly $20,000 at each school. Schools in 2006-07 will contribute $6,000 and Seattle Arts & Lectures (SAL) will commit to raising the remainder of the cost through foundation, corporate, and individual giving. This year, SAL will donate nearly $300,000 in services to Puget Sound schools. How do I bring WITS to my school? Please contact Rebecca Hoogs, Director of WITS, at (206) 621-2230 x18 or rhoogs@lectures.org to discuss bringing WITS to your school.
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