Jodie Smith

Smith's winning idea proposes an expansion of the Melissa Independent School District's (ISD) "Cardinal Writers of Outstanding Talent (WOOT) Camp". "WOOT Camp" just like "boot" camp, is an intense time of learning and motivation. The "privates" (students) muster in the gymnasium with their "officers" (teachers) and receive their "mission" (writing challenges) from the "general" (principal), who inspects the troops' work during camp. Students engage in four hours of writing instruction and practice each day. They participate in whole group mini-lessons, conferences with officers and peers, and small group mini-lessons on the craft and convention of writing. Teachers use valid research practices, including modeling writing strategies with their own pieces using real literature and authors as examples of writing craft, teaching grammar in the context of writing and making abstract concepts concrete for better understanding. The project's objectives are twofold: 1) support and improve writing instructions and 2) increase student achievement in writing as well as in all disciplines. According to Smith, there will be significant improvements in fourth-grade students meeting writing skills. Smith resides in Melissa.