TRL-GA and IDA-GA present: The Writing Revolution.

Few activities are as cognitively demanding as writing. In this session, Drs. Vroom and Zoleo provide an overview of the Hochman Method, an explicit set of specific writing strategies that teachers use in every grade and in all subjects, including ELA, social studies, science, world languages, and math. This evidence-based and proven instructional methodology enables students to master the skills that are essential if they are to become competent writers. Those skills equip students to become better readers, to communicate more effectively in writing and speaking, and most importantly, to elevate their thinking. The Hochman Method will be discussed in relation to the challenges of writing: the cognitive demands of writing, the interplay of writing with reading comprehension and knowledge, the scaffolding of writing instruction, and the importance of planning and revising. Participants will learn key strategies that can be implemented immediately with students in writing or through oral practice.

Dr. Vroom and Dr. Zoleo are the co-executive directors of The Writing Revolution (TWR). TWR is a national nonprofit that trains educators and supports schools and districts in implementing the Hochman Method, an evidence-based method of writing instruction that transforms the way students write, learn, read, think, and express themselves. Dr. Vroom was previously a lead social studies teacher and school-wide writing coordinator at New Dorp High School. Dr. Zoleo was previously the assistant principal at New Dorp, where she co-led the effort to bring the Hochman Method of writing instruction to the school. Both Drs. Vroom and Zoleo have been with TWR since its founding in 2014. Today, TWR trains thousands of teachers each year and partners with schools and districts across the United States. Drs. Vroom and Zoleo have developed content for TWR, as well as for textbooks and curriculum guides, and presented at the Aspen Institute, South by Southwest, and the College Board Foundation, as well as many other venues, on the topic of writing. Both Drs. Vroom and Zoleo earned doctoral degrees in student literacy from St. John’s University.