This book was compiled from articles by Writing Project teacher-leaders based largely on their Summer Institute demonstrations. The actual classroom strategies they suggest are not the most valuable part of the book. Rather,what matters is the accumulation of inspiration, enthusiasm, and thoughtfulness in these stories.
Ask996 on enotes.com describes Breakthroughs as” full of essays by teachers who have experienced incredible growth in both themselves and their students in the writing classroom.” Some of them directly reference their Summer Institute experiences and conversations with other teachers that inspired them to rethink their teaching in general. In other cases, they were frustrated and desperate with a classroom dilemma. Reading and listening in the Summer Institute made them think about their practice and review their classroom strategies. The articles describe improvements they made that motivated their students.
The essays are also good examples of articles written from demonstrations. They could serve as models for our teachers to publish their demonstrations as articles for teacher journals or newsletters.
Whatever the discipline, level, or experience of the author, each article shows a reflective professional finding a breakthrough by talking to or reading other teachers and scholars during a Writing Project Summer Institute. The collection underscores the value of the professional development that the Writing Project offers.
