New Report: Writing, Technology and Teens

Created in partnership with the Pew Internet and American Life Project, this report talks to teens to see what they have to say about technology and the state of writing in their lives. The report looks at teens' basic definition of writing, explores the various kinds of writing they do, seeks their assessment about what impact e-communication has on their writing, and probes for their guidance about how writing instruction might be improved.

Download the report: Writing, Technology and Teens (.pdf/566K).
Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader (latest version recommended).

College Board President Gaston Caperton said of Writing, Technology and Teens:
"The ability to write well is unquestionably a skill necessary for 21st-century success in college and the workplace. As this report demonstrates, parents and teens are well aware of the importance of strong writing skills for success in college and beyond. As we at the College Board have said many times, strong writing skills are essential. They are not an option for today's students.

Because of the dramatic changes in writing that have resulted since the advent of the Internet and mobile devices, we thought it was worthwhile to partner with Pew on this research project so that we—and the nation—would have a better understanding of how teens and their parents view writing."

The College Board Bob Costas Grants for the Teaching of Writing

Eight teachers have been awarded the third annual College Board Bob Costas Grants for the Teaching of Writing. The grants recognize exceptional teachers for using innovative methods to inspire their students to write. The award was created to support teachers and to thank Bob Costas, the Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and author, for his generous public service work on behalf of the National Commission on Writing.

Learn more about the winners, read tips from teachers, and see examples of student work.

Encourage Writing

For resources on helping children learn to write, supporting the teaching of writing, and more, visit these sites with expert tips for parents and students:

	The National Writing Project at www.writingproject.org
	The National Council of Teachers of English at: www.ncte.org
	The College Board's Boost Your Skills

About the National Commission on Writing

The National Commission on Writing was founded by the College Board in an effort to focus national attention on the teaching and learning of writing. Bob Kerrey, president of the New School, serves as chair. The Commission believes we must improve the quality of writing in our schools if students are to succeed in college and in life. Its first report to Congress, The Neglected "R", called for a writing revolution to return writing to its proper place in the American classroom. Its second report, Writing: A Ticket to Work...Or a Ticket Out, A Survey of Business Leaders, was published in September 2004.