POWERS
Provide Opportunities to Write, Edit, and Research Stories

Grant Summary

We developed POWERS to give third grade students and high school seniors the opportunity and incentive to use collaborative and interviewing skills, and to improve their writing and editing through the use of video conferencing equipment, the Internet, and school visits. Our lesson plans use Indiana’s State Academic Standards and Information Literacy Standards, while assessment is through rubrics, check sheets, and self-evaluations. Most of our planning is done using video conferencing equipment and e-mail.

This program, which involved approximately 120 students, was developed to give those involved the knowledge and motivation to enhance their research and writing skills. In addition, it allows students to use technology to accomplish the end result. Being accountable to another student, six years older or younger than they, provides incredible motivation to complete their projects successfully. An article in the high school newspaper about the POWERS project enabled the teachers to realize how interested and excited the high school students were about this project.

Success with this type of program requires patience, teacher collaboration, and good tech personnel. The first year it took almost four months to get the equipment up and running correctly, but after that things progressed smoothly. The wait increased student desire, because they anticipated the end result.
When planning a program such as this, I would suggest the following:

• Look for grants or ways to fund the project.
• Do not plan too much the first year (Start small, then expand goals yearly.)
• Discuss and have students practice their conversation skills. (Dead time on the computer can be a problem.)
• Use the video conferencing equipment to facilitate teacher planning.
• Take a risk and go for it!

We welcome your questions and comments.

Amy Uhl, Third Grade Teacher Trish Beddoe, Library Media Specialist
UhlA@corydon.shcsc.k12.in.us Sue Ellen Cavins, Third Grade Teacher
Corydon Elementary School Richard Clipp, H. S. Senior English Teacher
125 Beechmont Drive Denise Goller, Third Grade Teacher
Corydon, IN 47112 Cheryl Gutknecht, Third Grade Teacher
812-738-4183
Tamela Brewer, Principal, Corydon Elementary School
Carole Shields, Principal, Corydon High School