Writing for a Change shows teachers how to engage students in "real world" problem-solving activities that can help them to acquire voice, authority, and passion for both reading and writing practice. Written in collaboration with the Centre for Social Action in England, the book describes the innovative Social Action process for encouraging students to collaborate on problems of their own choosing--to analyze options, develop action plans, discover solutions, and finally to reflect on their work. Featuring stories by teachers who have successfully used the method, the book shows that first graders as well as high-school students can enjoy this exciting and educational process. Practical guidance for applying the process to any curricular area is provided along with an extensive list of classroom activities. "This is the book educators have been waiting for: practitioner guidance on combining literacy education and community problem solving to create a powerful form of service-learning in which students can master critical academic and civic competencies."
--Betsey McGee, former senior program officer, Academy for Educational Development
"An excellent book, celebrating and demonstrating practical social action approaches that support children and young people to make change happen in their schools, in their communities, and in their lives. A timely and vital challenge to educationalists in formal and informal settings on both sides of the Atlantic, invigorating education for empowerment and social change, showing that citizenship can only be learned through doing."
--Bill Badham, development officer, The National Youth Agency (England)
"A perfect combination of inspiration and practical advice. Chock-full of ideas and activities that eat away a sense of powerlessness and turn angst into action."
--Wendy Saul, professor of education and international studies, University of Missouri--St. Louis