MN writing programs close the gap

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Data from the Minnesota Department of Education shows test scores are still well below pre-pandemic levels and only about half of students can read.

While educators focus their attention on deficits, a nonprofit organization promotes education in other subjects.

Derek Davidson is the program director of 826 MSP, a nonprofit youth writing center that amplify the voices of underserved students through writing and publishing. He attended Shelby DeWeese’s Middle English class in Sanford twice a week, free to the schools, to work with students on their writing and eventually publish a book.

“It’s always fun to give kids the freedom to say, ‘What’s going on in your brain?'” he said. “Write it down on paper!”

He is part of a local chapter of a national network that sees a gap in writing education. The program is called the Young Authors’ Book Project.

“For good reason, there is a lot of emphasis on the literacy and reading side of things, and writing is often left behind,” said Jamal Adam, the executive director.

Adam says as reading comprehension has declined since the pandemic, educators have shifted their attention. But he points out that socio-emotional learning has also declined.

“Writing is a tool to help young people think about their wellbeing and mental health,” Adam said.

Lillian Lanc and the rest of her class focus their contributions on the climate crises.

“I tried to really dig deep and pick up some of the places where my own concerns and concerns related to climate change are and put that in writing,” Lanc said.

826 MSP has only three full-time employees but reaches 1,500 per year in the Twin Cities with the help of volunteers. In addition to in-person classes, there is an after-school program, a field trip program and more.

If you would like to consider purchasing a copy of a student-authored book, click here.

If you would like to inquire about volunteering, email Derek at [email protected].