Creative Writing in Utah is slowly being phased out in high schools across the state. This is a deeply concerning issue that sadly begins in elementary schools. Because narrative writing isn’t measured in state testing, many teachers feel pressure to put creative writing on the “back burner” to devote time to the more technical types of writing included in standardized tests. As a result, advocacy for Creative Writing is dwindling, and experts agree that students are not being offered the tools to develop their creative voice.
Dr. J. Lloyd Eldredge Sr., published author and retired professor of Education at BYU has spent his life's work developing reading and writing techniques for children and adolescents. In an interview with Jennifer Jenkins, he spoke at length about the critical need for creative writing in our schools.
"Creative Writing utilizes the highest form of literacy," Eldredge says, "It teaches the developing mind the power of words and articulation that not only fosters imagination, but also translates directly into success in higher education, argumentative writing, and communications in general. Allowing young writers to discover their voice also provides a healthy outlet for a variety of mental health issues such as low self-esteem and depression."
We would like to respectfully bring this concern to the Utah Board of Education and we need your help!Add your voice to the conversation by signing this petition to bring Creative Writing back to Utah schools!
Updates
January 17, 2017
I have been meeting with school board members to show them how creative writing builds essential skills for student success. Post the petition link to your Facebook page today so they see our community expects more than just test prep. Send an email to your local representative demanding they prioritize creative outlets in the classroom.
January 17, 2017
We hit a significant mark yesterday that shows the state board cannot ignore our movement any longer. Post the link to your Facebook feed right now and send a direct text to three friends asking them to join the cause.
Reached 100 supporters
January 17, 2017
115 Comments
One of the big reasons I'm as analytical as I am now is because I had Creative Writing in Elementary School. It pushed me to discover something I wouldn't have otherwise and overall made me more learned on a variety of subjects because I needed to research it for my writing.
You can see what a difference Teen Author Boot Camp is when you see 800+ youth go to Teen Author Bootcamp at UVU, that says that kids love creative writing. We need it back in our schools.
In an era where teen suicide is a concern, removing creative outlets is a bad idea. Creative writing is confidence building and allows the writer to work through conflicts in a safe environment.
Helping students find their voices and discover the power of language is paramount. As a YA author, as a CRWR teacher in a public school, and as a father, I am proud to add my name to this petition.
Creative writing is so important to kids these days. I'm only in High School, but I feel like teachers are neglecting the subject of creative writing and instead focus more on essay writing.
Creative writing helps people find their voice.
Creative writing is so important. For me, it was one of the few subjects I excelled in and allowed me to express myself! Creative writing develops the imagination!
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Creative Writing in Utah is slowly being phased out in high schools across the state. This is a deeply concerning issue that sadly begins in elementary schools. Because narrative writing isn’t measured in state testing, many teachers feel pressure to put creative writing on the “back burner” to devote time to the more technical types of writing included in standardized tests. As a result, advocacy for Creative Writing is dwindling, and experts agree that students are not being offered the tools to develop their creative voice.
Dr. J. Lloyd Eldredge Sr., published author and retired professor of Education at BYU has spent his life's work developing reading and writing techniques for children and adolescents. In an interview with Jennifer Jenkins, he spoke at length about the critical need for creative writing in our schools.
"Creative Writing utilizes the highest form of literacy," Eldredge says, "It teaches the developing mind the power of words and articulation that not only fosters imagination, but also translates directly into success in higher education, argumentative writing, and communications in general. Allowing young writers to discover their voice also provides a healthy outlet for a variety of mental health issues such as low self-esteem and depression."
We would like to respectfully bring this concern to the Utah Board of Education and we need your help!Add your voice to the conversation by signing this petition to bring Creative Writing back to Utah schools!
Updates
January 17, 2017
I have been meeting with school board members to show them how creative writing builds essential skills for student success. Post the petition link to your Facebook page today so they see our community expects more than just test prep. Send an email to your local representative demanding they prioritize creative outlets in the classroom.
January 17, 2017
We hit a significant mark yesterday that shows the state board cannot ignore our movement any longer. Post the link to your Facebook feed right now and send a direct text to three friends asking them to join the cause.
Reached 100 supporters
January 17, 2017
115 Comments
I never understood how to properly write academic papers until I got deeply involved with creative writing. It is an essential skill that helps students plan, pace, and understand their papers on a much deeper level.
One of the big reasons I'm as analytical as I am now is because I had Creative Writing in Elementary School. It pushed me to discover something I wouldn't have otherwise and overall made me more learned on a variety of subjects because I needed to research it for my writing.
You can see what a difference Teen Author Boot Camp is when you see 800+ youth go to Teen Author Bootcamp at UVU, that says that kids love creative writing. We need it back in our schools.
In an era where teen suicide is a concern, removing creative outlets is a bad idea. Creative writing is confidence building and allows the writer to work through conflicts in a safe environment.
Helping students find their voices and discover the power of language is paramount. As a YA author, as a CRWR teacher in a public school, and as a father, I am proud to add my name to this petition.
Creative writing is so important to kids these days. I'm only in High School, but I feel like teachers are neglecting the subject of creative writing and instead focus more on essay writing.
Creative writing helps people find their voice.
Creative writing is so important. For me, it was one of the few subjects I excelled in and allowed me to express myself! Creative writing develops the imagination!
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I never understood how to properly write academic papers until I got deeply involved with creative writing. It is an essential skill that helps students plan, pace, and understand their papers on a much deeper level.