Writing Our Stories: An Arts-Based Approach to Building Writing Skills and Fighting Violence

• In Event: Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Division G Section 5 Poster Session: Social Context of Research on Schools and Communities

Abstract

School Violence is a problem in America. Writing Our Stories: An Anti-Violence Creative Writing Program is a program designed to address this problem (Barton, Hancock Cooper, Gamble, Smitherman, & Thompson, 2002). This curriculum is widely respected within the juvenile justice system for developing practical and creative writing skills, providing successful writing experiences and a non-violent outlet for expression. The study intends to determine the extent to which creative and practical writing skills are gained and violence level are reduced by documenting how a 2-days-a-week creative writing program, Writing Our Stories, can “...integrate language proficiency, journalistic skills, student voice, and meaningful dialogue” all while maintaining an integrated connection to state language arts curriculum (Moore et.al, 2001).

Authors

• Stacy Hughey Surman, The University of Alabama

• Jeanie Thompson, Alabama Writers' Forum

• Tracy Smitherman, Alabama Department of Youth Services School District

• Margaret Peggy Shippen, Auburn University

• David Houchins, Georgia State University