1. Navigating the Gap: High School to College-level Writing Mary Barszcz, Johnson & Wales University mbarszcz@jwu.edu Donna Thomsen, Johnson & Wales University dthomsen@jwu.edu NEATE Fall Conference Mansfield, MA November 2, 2012

2. What inspired us? Publication of What is College- Level Writing by Sullivan & Tinberg, 2007

3. Getting Started Making connections with your high school & university colleagues Personal relationships Professional organizations Cold-calling strategies

4. Beginning the Dialogue Meetings Agenda Plans

5. Initial Topics of Discussion WPA standards Graduation Portfolios Curriculum restrictions / requirements and limitations Assessing student writing Assigned readings from the book “Am I a Liar: The Angst of a High School English Teacher” by Jeanette Jordan “The Truth about High School English” by Milka Mosley “The Community College Professor Reflects on First-Year Composition” by John Pekins

6. Taking It to the Next Level Adding more voices Deciding when, where, how and how much Identifying core questions – What is college-level writing? – What skills do students really need to succeed as college writers? – How can high schools and colleges help students to master these skills?

7. Next Steps Expanding the steering committee Planning bi-yearly general meetings Taking the pulse of our members Organizing our annual symposium

8. Challenges to This Model Gathering a committed group Finding time and energy Agreeing on a course of action Financing the efforts Ensuring an equal voice for all participants Avoiding repetition Finding an outlet for our voice

9. Benefits of the Model A better understanding of high school and college course outcomes An end to the “Who’s to Blame” line of thinking A potential seat at the state & national standards table Increased respect & collegiality

10. Portfolio Inspiration “A Perfect Storm” –Grant opportunity Partnerships for Success – Improving Rhode Island education, access and opportunities through PK-16 partnerships –Existing, willing group

11. The Portfolio: Creating, Funding & Dissemination Sharing it with you

12. Discussion and Preview 2012-13