The Writing Center opened in the Career Center on Feb. 24, and will be open every following Wednesday from 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. English teachers Elizabeth Dean and Beth Blankenship are working together in order to initiate the program.
“We are starting it to help all students be able to write better,” Blankenship said. “Being a good writer is a very special talent; many people work hard to be a competent writer, but being a good writer is something to be shared.”
The center was created to simulate college tutorial sessions in which students assist their peers. Tutors were chosen through a meticulous application and trained in order to provide for the best possible tutorial sessions.
“The students have strengths all across the curriculum, not just in English class,” Dean said. “They can help with science labs, foreign language essays and even history papers. “
Students are encouraged to come to the Career Center and take advantage of the opportunity. If students bring the necessary materials for the assignment, including the assignment sheet, grading rubric and rough draft, the tutors can properly assist the tutees.
“The tutor is more of a coach, or someone to have a discussion with,” Dean said. “The tutee’s purpose is to listen to concerns about the paper and help you through the writing process. Through this writing process, an improved paper will naturally evolve.”
Next year, the Writing Center will become a fifth and sixth period class taught by Blankenship. Nominated student tutors can enroll in the class and assist student tutees to revise papers during lunch as well as after school.
“The Writing Center provides every student with an opportunity to improve and refine their writing skills,” said Angus Wilson, junior. “The tutor-tutee method of the Writing Center creates a different, more relaxed environment from that of the classroom.”
By Shayda Shahbazi
