Currently, we are conducting a systematic program of research and development to examine broadly the many sites in which writing instruction takes place throughout the university curriculum, to describe the current status of student writing abilities, and to gather the perspectives of all stakeholders--faculty, students, and community business partners. Our findings should provide a solid research-based foundation on which to improve existing methods of writing instruction and propose new ones.

Our research program will move through three stages in five years. Its goal is to survey students, faculty, and potential employers before designing experimental writing courses/programs, whose effectiveness will be field-tested. These new approaches will, in a sense, "reform" our recent curricular reform.

We are especially grateful for the PSU Foundation Faculty Development Grant and the Faculty Enhancement Program Grant for their contributions of over $12,000, which has helped made this project possible.

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