In fulfilling the mission of its "Good to Great" initiative, the Massapequa Public School District has committed itself to providing teachers and students with cutting edge training in writing process from the leading experts in the field – Columbia University’s Teachers College Writing Project. This exceptional program is coveted by districts across Long Island because of its unique approach, which is to train teachers in the art of teaching writing, and then provide experts from Columbia University to guide teachers in implementing the program’s proven methods.

Recognizing the importance of providing a strong foundation in literacy early on, especially given the emphasis placed on writing in the new college admissions exams, Massapequa’s plan is to allow each elementary school in the district to have the opportunity to receive Columbia’s training. Experts from Teachers College visit schools three times a week, first meeting with teachers to provide training, then working with teachers in the classroom to implement instructional methods that focus on different types of writing, and how to achieve success by recognizing and refining one’s own writing process. Teachers agree that the program has helped them develop a better assessment of students’ writing capabilities and how to address each student’s learning style. In fact, already marked improvement has been seen not only in students’ willingness to write, but also in the end result that is produced after much hard work and effort.

After meeting with teachers, Teacher’s College Writing Consultant Ami Shah is shown sitting with Fairfield first graders in Susan Macri’s class to discuss plans for the day’s "Writer’s Workshop."