New Books Give Parents and Students a Reason to Write
(New York, NY September 2002)-For students to excel in school today, solid writing skills are essential. However, many students lack proficiency in this vital area. Reports of test scores across the country indicate that substandard scores are reaching epidemic levels and, with back-to-school right around the corner, this national crisis needs immediate attention. "Students are not getting enough practice writing and parents do not know how to help," says Dr. Douglas Reeves, author of According to recent research, students who do a substantial amount of critical, non-fiction writing in class and at home see their test scores go up and their academic performance greatly improve. However, most classroom assignments involve creative writing, rather than nonfiction, and many teachers limit the number of writing assignmentReason to Write: Help Your Child Succeed in School and in Life Through Better Reasoning and Clear Communication and Reason to Write: Student Handbook (both from Kaplan/Simon & Schuster, September 2002.) s altogether because grading them is both time- and labor-intensive. Dr. Reeves stresses, "A balanced writing program will have a significant impact on student achievement in every academic area." The critical, non-fiction writing process-the act of molding ideas into words and putting them onto paper-prompts students to test their own thoughts ("Is this what I really think?") and ideas ("Is this what I really mean?").
In the Reason to Write series, Dr. Reeves offers parents a simple, practical, and effective approach to helping children develop good writing skills. Through writing, children build thinking, reasoning, and communication skills that carry lifelong benefits.
There are two books in the Reason to Write series. The guide for parents shows readers how the development of writing skills can also lead elementary school students to read with greater understanding; improve in all academic areas; develop a sense of community and social responsibility; and succeed on tests. The book includes:
An overview of the skills and knowledge children should master at each grade level
A clear, simple system for evaluating a child's writing
An effective approach to identifying areas for improvement without discouraging a young writer
Stress-free tips for tackling writer's block
The top ten mistakes parents make when discussing writing-and how to avoid them
Dozens of ideas for writing activities that children will really enjoy
The Reason to Write: Student Handbook is designed for elementary school students and includes practical information that will help young writers at all skill levels improve. Filled with worksheets and activities to guide students from brainstorming through editing and revision, this book helps students develop their own rules for good writing as they explore letter writing, research papers, persuasive and analytical essays, and much more. Dr. Reeves encourages students to remember, "Your first draft is never your last draft," and shows readers how to evaluate and improve their work. The guide includes tips on overcoming writer's block, organizing ideas, and developing good writing habits.
To further support the goals of the Reason to Write series, the author and publisher have established www.reasontowrite.com. This site offers brainstorming and organization tools, writing tips, evaluation guides, and more.
Reason to Write and the Reason To Write: Student Handbook are available wherever books are sold.
About the Author: Douglas Reeves, Ph.D., is the author of over 20 books, including the Parent's Choice Award-winning series 20-Minute Learning Connection and Crusade in the Classroom, also from Kaplan/Simon & Schuster. As president of the Center for Performance Assessment and the non-profit International Center for Educational Accountability, Dr. Reeves has helped school districts throughout the United States and the world transform their approach to standards, assessment, and accountability.
BOOK INFORMATION
Reason to Write: Help Your Child Succeed in School and in Life Through Better Reasoning and Clear Communication
By Dr. Douglas Reeves
Kaplan Publishing (Kaplan, Inc. and Simon & Schuster), September 2002
ISBN: 0-7432-3045-0 Price: $14.00
Reason to Write: Student Handbook
By Dr. Douglas Reeves
Kaplan Publishing (Kaplan, Inc. and Simon & Schuster), September 2002
ISBN: 0-7432-3053-1 Price: $12.00
Author Available for Interview for Education /Parenting Stories
To schedule an interview with Dr. Reeves, please contact Lori Duggan Gold at lori_duggangold@kaplan.com or at 212-492-5903.
Note to Editors: Review copies are available upon request. Please contact Lori DeGeorge at lori.degeorge@kaplan.simonandschuster.com or by phone at 212-698-1272.
About Kaplan Publishing: Kaplan Publishing is a joint venture between Kaplan, Inc. and Simon & Schuster. In 2001, Kaplan publishing introduced 65 new titles on test preparation, admissions, education, parent involvement, career development, and life skills. With Congress' passage of the President's "No Child Left Behind" education package, Kaplan Publishing is well positioned to meet the needs of parents and students seeking state-specific test preparation and parent involvement tools. Kaplan, Inc. is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO.)
Press Contact:
Lori Duggan Gold
lori_duggangold@kaplan.com
212-492-5903 or 212-698-4669
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