On February 1, the Obama administration released its 2011 budget proposal. In this proposed budget, funding for the NWP is consolidated with five other literacy programs under a new states-based competitive grants program that provides money for improving literacy. The NWP national network would not be eligible to compete for its own funding. In this proposed budget, only state education agencies (SEAs) would be eligible to compete for funds, alone or in partnership with outside entities. Writing project sites in states that chose not to compete or were unsuccessful would receive no funding. Funding that previously went to support the work of teachers in NWP local sites would instead flow to SEAs.
What impact would this have on the National Writing Project?
This would result in the elimination of one of the big success stories in U.S. education: the National Writing Project. With over 15 years of careful investment, the NWP has built a network of exceptional local teachers, administrators, and higher-education faculty dedicated to fostering high achievement in their own classrooms and to leading exceptional professional development programs for educators. The NWP national network of local literacy leaders is an improvement infrastructure that helps make local reform possible—we cannot improve schools nationwide without the engagement of our nation's teachers.
What can you do?
Visit the newly created Ning NWP Works!...making the case for the National Writing Project to learn more. (The above linked text comes from this Ning) Investigate the resources available at this site. Urge your friends, family and colleagues to speak up.
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