HUNTINGTON BEACH : Writing Programs of 2 Schools Lauded

Two local schools have won first-place awards for outstanding writing programs in statewide competition sponsored by the California School Boards Assn.

Ethel Dwyer Middle School received top honors for the program, “Licensed to Write,” in which pupils write skits, poems, science-fiction stories, plays and other articles. Their works are published in a book that goes out into the community so the public can enjoy the material.

Lake View Elementary School also was selected for “Exceptional Expectations Unlimited,” a writing class that features a fun, “game-like” environment for young writers, according to officials.

Lake View’s young writers work in groups of three, with the authors reading their pieces aloud, while partners are challenged to find ways to improve the work.

The writing program, which began four years ago, has dramatically increased test scores of Lake View pupils who previously rated below the 50th percentile in language arts, Supt. James R. Tarwater said. Youngsters participating in the program have shown two years of growth for one year of instruction, he said.

The California School Boards Assn., which represents more than 5,000 locally elected school boards, each year gives Golden Bell awards honoring outstanding programs in public education.

This year’s contest attracted 248 entries. Twenty-one schools, including Dwyer and Lake View, received first-place awards.

The awards will be presented at the group’s education conference in Long Beach on Dec. 5.

Teacher Debb Clay, who developed Dwyer’s “Licensed to Write” program three years ago, said pupils’ articles are published in a book each year.

The books find their way to doctors’ and dentists’ waiting rooms, libraries, city halls, police stations and other public places to be read by members of the community, Clay said.

Two years ago, some of the material was turned into a play that was staged in Costa Mesa, Clay said.

The program gives the students a feeling that what they say is important and that someone other than their parents will read their stories, she said.

Lake View pupils also publish a book containing works of the young authors. It is placed in the school library for friends to check out.