© Copyright 2018 Randi Whitney Consulting
Reaching students one teacher at a time!
Evidence of Success
QUOTES FROM PRINCIPALS,
SUPERVISORS, AND TEACHERS:
(This is just a sampling - we have hundreds!)
“I had to call. I have taught high school for 25 years and the
“I-Write” is the most valuable piece of information I have ever
received in an in-service! My Pre-AP Freshman scored higher
than any of the previous year’s groups had. They all scored
(combined graders) 6s & 7s. In addition to the test, I always
ask my freshman on the last day of class to write down the one
thing we did that year that I should not do with the class the
following year. Then I ask them to write down the most
valuable thing I should keep doing. They cannot talk or share
with each other. The I-Write was the number one thing I
should continue to do according to this year’s freshman!”
- Joan Nelson, Greenville High School
“I hope all is well for you and your colleagues at the Writing
Academy. I wanted to share the good news that my 4th
graders had an 86% passing rate on the STAAR writing. Wow! I
believe the Writing Academy made the difference for these 4th
graders. I am thankful for all that the Writing Academy did to
support our academic efforts in writing! Every child counts!”
– Audrey N. Sanders, Ed.D., Director Arrow Liberation
Academy, Missouri City, Tx
“I wanted to tell Randi Whitney (developer of The Writing
Academy) that I have used the Writing Academy curriculum for
two years now. Previous year my STAAR Writing score was 79%,
last year 89%, this year 95%! I am excited to tell you that my
4th grade class was #1 in state with 95% passing. Only one
other school in my region scored 95 this year. I am just
thrilled to see that this works for our students here at
Banquete. I am very proud of my students. Now my school is
using 2nd and 3rd grade curriculum.”
- Robin Sykora, Banquete Elementary
“I wanted you to know that our school, Horn Elementary,
Houston ISD, received 97% passing and 43% advanced on the
4th grade STAAR Writing. I have used the program all year and
it works!”
– Betsy Garner, 4th Grade Teacher
“Last week a Writing Academy consultant came to present for
my district, Greenville ISD. As a TWA Four Day Institute
veteran, I was thrilled to have a bit of it presented to more
staff in my district. Last year my coworker and I implemented
TWA into our writing curriculum completely. I have never seen
kids so excited to write! It completely changed how I taught,
how my kids learned, and the whole tone of my room. I only
taught 4th grade Writing/Language Arts for the past two years,
so writing has been my main focus in the classroom. I was
able to watch my kids go from dreading the unknown of 4th
grade writing to loving coming to class and being successful
writers. I don’t define their success in terms of scores
(although they did increase well over 24% on the STAAR. My
campus also had the highest writing scores by 20%). I define
their success in the capability to really express themselves.
They were proud of their work and took a great sense of
accomplishment in their writing abilities. I am a huge fan of
TWA philosophy and how it can really impact students if given
even the smallest chance.”
- Nicole Cardwell, 4th grade teacher, Greenville ISD
“I worked at Longfellow Elementary in Houston ISD as a
Magnet Coordinator when The Writing Academy came to our
campus. We were very pleased with the outcomes. I am now
a Director of Curriculum & Instruction and want to utilize the
STAAR Student Writing CAMPs for our students.”
- Tracy Van Wright, M.Ed., Director of Curriculum &
Instruction.
“I attended your narrative in-service last year, and my kiddos
scored within the top 3 schools in our district on the STAAR
exam! We have 13 schools in our district. The information
from these TWA sessions are invaluable!”
- Ashley Lyon, 7th Grade Teacher Yes Prep Academy
“Just wanted you to know that Pineywoods 4th grade STAAR
writing scores were the highest in the county! We scored 80%.
We appreciate the quality training, and credit The Writing
Academy with helping to increase our score. Thank you.”
–Marla M. Pickard, Dean of Instruction (also everyone on
Facebook is saying the training is great!)
“We had our 4th graders trained in the new STAAR Narrative
and STAAR Expository last year. They loved it and used The
Writing Academy all year. The fourth grade writing scores
were so high now we are going to train our teachers district-
wide. In fact, our 4th grade scores were so much higher than
the state average a nearby district will be calling you to have
your consultants come to their school!”
– Nerissa Erickson, Canton ISD, Grants and Federal
Programs Coordinator
“I attended one of the four day writing institutes in July.
Today, my 7th grade students played Magnifying Baseball in
class. At the end of the day, five students came to my class
for mandatory tutoring. They begged me to play Magnifying
Baseball. When I told them no, they asked if we could please
play tomorrow in class. Wow! I never thought I would see 7th
graders WANTING to work on writing topics. Thanks for
teaching me how to make writing fun for the kids. I can’t wait
to use all my other “goodies” from this summer.”
- Lisa McNally, 7th grade teacher, LCISD
“My name is Laura Christian. I attended the TWA workshop
last summer in Kemah and absolutely loved it! After the week
in Kemah, my co-worker and I immediately went back to our
school and began sharing all of the wonderful information we
had received with our students. By utilizing our “bucket of
goodies” and using the curriculum guide, we were able to
achieve a 90% success rate with our students on the Writing
STAAR test!!”
“Randi, I attended your conference last week and wanted to
tell you that I had a “teach BIG” moment today. Today was
the first day this school year that I have had fun teaching! It
has encouraged me to Teach BIG tomorrow. Today we were
learning about the 4 types of sentences. Instead of just telling
the kids the types, I taught by location and incorporated hand
signals. The students were so excited and participated like
never before. How awesome is it that I actually changed and I
was successful with the kids. Thank you for your inspiration!”
– Merideth Dudley, Alvin ISD
About our Teacher In-services:
This is the best writing workshop I have been to in the last 7
years. Thank you! I know teaching Narrative and Expository
Writing will be more fun this way. I would love to go to the
Teachers’ Retreat in the summer.
–Vicky Guillen, Admin. of 3-5, Rio Hondo Intermediate
Best Workshop Ever! Finally, felt that, for once, this won’t
just get “thrown on the shelf!” Love participating & actually
doing the activities! I’m a hands-on learner!
– Sabrina Richardson, 3rd Grade teacher, West Hardin
Elementary, WHCISD
I wish I was always as energetic as our presenter! It reminded
me that even Pre-AP kids like manipulatives and movement.
– Leigh Cockrill, 10th Pre-AP, Tivy High School
This is the most valuable presentation I have ever participated
in. I have been attending workshops for 20 years! Using the
check mark and the not sign on the multiple choice section is
eye opening.
– Diana Bainbridge, 4th Grade teacher, Emerson Elementary,
Houston ISD
I love this workshop! So many useful ideas and strategies to
take directly back into the classroom! Bravo!
- Maria Gimela, 6th ESL, BTW, Kerrville ISD
I love the hands on activities! So many to choose from for
differentiating instruction to different learners.
– Engeline Trevino, Magnet Coordinator, Roosevelt
Elementary, Houston ISD
You are always fun! All of the learning games make it fun and
make me want to teach again! Comma issues: loved the ideas
that simplified the rules!
- Michele Brannon, 7/8 ELA Dept. Chair, Charles Baxter
Junior High, Everman ISD
I love the consultant’s positive attitude! Everything was fun
and engaging. Her sense of humor is refreshing and keeps you
entertained and engaged. I love the structure and
organization you have created for us to teach grammar in a
meaningful way. It will completely be my big change this
year!
– Wendy Montgomery, 4th Grade teacher, Wilshire
Elementary, North East ISD
I loved the extra handouts in the packet. I liked the short
selections. It is something we can do from start to finish in
one class period. My “Ah-ha” moment was when the
presenters showed that students need to be able to distinguish
between a summary and paraphrasing.
– Cristina Criel, 9th ELA, Martin High School
Absolute blessing!!! Teaching BIG means teaching from your
heart. What was my favorite part? EVERYTHING!!! My
surprise moment: Grammar is fun! Sentence storming was
pretty amazing!!
– Angela Brown, 4th Grade Writing teacher, Woodville
Intermediate, Woodville ISD
The consultant was very entertaining and it helped to get her
message through. My favorite part was using pasta as a
comma! I will take that to my classroom. My biggest “ah-ha”
was knowing how to keep my students focused by using fun
games to learn a skill.
– Cynthia Rubio, 2nd Grade teacher, Las Yescas Elementary,
Los Fresnos ISD
I have taught 24 years. I learned grammar rules I have never
thought of or realized – you’re never too old to learn
something new.
– Carol Rogers, 4th Grade teacher, Bowie Fine Arts Academy,
Midland ISD
High five to her. She was very energetic and the 3 days from
morning to end of the day were Awesome!! Plenty of hands-on
activities that I will use in the classroom.
– Claudia N. Cardenas, Sam Houston Elem., Eagle Pass ISD
So funny, enthusiastic and engaging. Best all day PD I have
ever attended (no lie!)!! I loved the I-Write Chart. Graphic
organizers – awesome.
–Laurie Tuttle, Librarian, Oak Grove, North East ISD
Today was amazing! The ideas were great and actually putting
them into practice was even better! I can’t wait to implement
it in my class! Biggest “ah-ha” was a new insight in teaching
transitions to my students. I loved the Blueprint.
– Ysenia Hernandez, 4th/Reading/Language Arts, Rio Hondo
Intermediate
I truly enjoyed this workshop and will use ALL of the
strategies! My biggest “Ah-ha” moment is when I realized
tactile learning works.
– Leslie Bird, 9th Reading Teacher, E.C. High School, Laredo
ISD
My biggest “ah-ha” moment was when I realized I am a “life”
teacher, not a “test” teacher.
– Rene Jimenez, 2nd Grade teacher, LBJ Elementary, Elsa-
Edcouch ISD
Beginning my first year of teaching and I was feeling VERY
overwhelmed and intimidated. After this seminar, I feel so
much more confident and equipped to Teach BIG!
- Angela Crowson, EJ Moss Intermediate, Lindale ISD
I love how fun the seminars are – enjoyable and easy to listen
to. Thank you for the super ideas that make the abstract
process of writing concrete.
– Rebecca McCright, 3rd Grade
I love how you have broken the skills down into lots of
different ways we can practice.
– Cheryl Manchester, 3rd Bilingual Teacher, Kerrville ISD
The presenter was personable and knowledgeable. Her
enthusiasm was contagious! I love all the helpful hints and
resources to help our kids “get it.” I teach strugglers, so
these ideas are great.
– Deborah Marusak, Hill Country High School
About our 4 Day Summer Institutes:
This was the best seminar I have ever attended! I love the
hands-on manipulatives, handouts, and skits! Not to mention
the snacks! My favorite part of the seminar was the
strawberry used for object placement. That story will stay
with me for the rest of my life and will be shared. I teach
BIG, but this year I will teach BIGGER because of this
experience and YOU! I have fallen in love with all of you!
– Charlotte G. Carter, 4th Grade teacher, Felix Cook Jr.
Elementary, Houston ISD
Your passion is contagious! This is exactly what I needed this
summer as I transition to a new campus. I love My Bucket! I
am so grateful to have these activities ready to go. It makes
the beginning of the year much easier. I’ve taught a while
now, and I always struggle with making writing “active.”
Thank you for the simple, engaging lessons that will inspire my
kids.
– Robyn May, 7th ELAR, Clark Junior High, Princeton ISD
Randi, you are amazing! Such an inspiration. I have been
teaching 26 years and I have attended many trainings…the
Writing Academy has been the best by far!!!
– Natalie Cobb, Lang. Arts Skills Specialists, Francis
Elementary, Aldine ISD
I have never attended such a relevant, fun inservice. There
was so much information given, however, it did not get
overwhelming. Perfect! My favorite part was having ALL the
activities copied and complete for instant use in the
classroom. Also, the motivation provided to teach BIG! My
biggest “ah-ha” moment was that writing can be enjoyable
and fun to teach. I have been so intimidated by this subject
and now I feel like I have the knowledge and abilities to not
only teach writing but teach the LOVE of writing!
– Monica Hunter, 3rd Grade self-contained teacher,
Springtown ISD
Thank you for all the awesome make and takes and
organization. Thank you for the overall inspiration and praise
to God! The one who blessed you with these talents!
– Angela Wilson, 4th RELA, Huffman Intermediate, Huffman
ISD
Thank you for being passionate about what you do. The
interaction we experienced showed how we can apply it to our
students. I loved the splashes of development to expository
papers. The whole staff is a blessing! Each of you are an
inspiration and a light for me when teaching. God Bless You!
- Amanda Soliz, 4th Grade Teacher, Navarro Elementary,
Lockhart ISD
Thank you so much for the hospitality and for providing so
many things we can take back and use! All of the games will
make writing more enjoyable for the lil ones. I had an ah-ha
moment every time we received more and more activities!
- Monique Cobb, lst Grade teacher, Hidden Cove Elementary,
Southwest ISD
Wonderful inservice! Physical demonstration, organization,
and materials provided! I loved how manipulatives are used in
ELA. Easy to modify for special education students.
– Raven Wright, 7 & 8 Resource, Missouri City Middle School,
Fort Bend ISD
One of the best workshops ever! Very interactive, definitely
not boring! I loved all of the activities and waves (make-n-
takes). My ah-ha moment was seeing how easy it will be for
the students to learn to write a complete sentence by using
the weather sentences.
– Julie Montalvo, 2nd Grade teacher, Pittman Elementary,
Raymondville ISD
You paid attention to every small detail. You made us feel
special. The whole Expository presentation was great. I
cannot wait to take it back to my classroom.
– Erica Porter, 8th ELA teacher, Adams Middle School,
Galena Park ISD
This is the best conference I have ever attended! We were so
pampered, and went home feeling ready to teach writing! I
received many wonderful ways to keep my kinders excited
about writing…They can do so much with all the new ideas I
have!
– Lori Holliday, Kindergarten teacher, Burnet Elementary,
Burnet CISD
The consultants have the most infectious personalities. You
forget you are at a workshop and feel at home with family and
friends! The fact that we leave with a whole year of activities
and manipulatives, and a whole bucket of materials is great.
My favorite part was the idea of taking something from
concept to whole body to writing product.
– Douglas Dorsten, 3rd Grade teacher, Collins Elementary,
Alief ISD
Compliments: Handouts great to have and will be used; loved
the enthusiasm and the ending send off! Will use with my
students! Great brain breaks, snacks, and anecdotes. You
convinced me that writing shouldn’t be scary; I shouldn’t be
nervous to teach writing. I will be confident because of
everything I have learned to effectively teach my students
writing.
– Melissa Perez, 4th Grade teacher, Lockland Elementary,
Lockland ISD
In 25 years of teaching, this has truly been the best seminar!
– Lisa Hawsy, 4th Grade teacher, Steward Elementary,
Hitchcock ISD
By far the best training I have been to. Please keep it up! I
would love for you to come to my school. My favorite part was
the skits, and the paragraph building with people. I also loved
the splashing technique! Please inform me of ALL other
trainings. I will follow the Teach BIG model and your
curriculum. The most support I have received – EVER! God
Bless.
– Andesia de Jesus, 3rd grade teacher, Gallegos Elementary,
Houston ISD
The presenter was wonderful. Passionate, funny, engaging! I
loved the waves (make-n-take) and teaching ideas generated
at our table during the waves. I believe I can really teach
writing and bring up our scores while taking the students on an
amazing journey!
– Sabrina Pyke, 4th Grade teacher, Golden Acres
Elementary, Pasadena ISD
Great job! Had a Blast! Making all the materials and having
everything ready to go was great! I loved how easy everything
I learned is to use right-away in the classroom.
– Idlina Escobar, Kindergarten teacher, Laster School,
Brooks County ISD
I want to return every summer to be inspired for the next
school year! I was inspired, made to feel at home,
entertained, and educated in the writing process. Snacks
were awesome! My “ah-ha” moment was that the prompt does
not control the author, the author controls the prompt and
how he wants to present it. I promise to go back and teach
BIG, hoping it will be contagious at my school.
–Andrea Browder, K-2 Skill Specialist and 3-4 Writing Skills,
Francis Elementary, Aldine ISD
The Composition 4 Day and the Editing and Revising 4 Day rate
#1. No, not # 1, #2, etc. = Number 1. I cannot pinpoint one
single thing that rated less than #1. It all makes me excited to
have this experience and to be able to have great tools for
teaching! Awesome!
– Laura Pompa, 4th Grade teacher, Stewart Elementary,
Hitchcock ISD
Best workshop I have ever attended. The pieces of grammar
all put together in a logical, teachable order was my biggest
ah-ha moment.
– Linda Ray, 7th ELA, Palacios Junior High, Palacios ISD
I loved the energy and joy each staff member carries. You
wear your faith on your shoulders. The make-n-take helped us
digest what we just learned. I also loved the chocolate
covered strawberries! I am leaving feeling that I can teach
BIG every day without having to do much. (Walking away with
materials ready) I want to be remembered by my students and
change lives.
– Dee Dee Jones, George Junior High School, LCISD
To give you an idea what a difference implementing
The Writing Academy can make, the following is a
cross-section of STAAR Results of schools using
The Writing Academy:
About our Student Writing CAMPs:
(No place for names on the evaluation)
The Writing Academy consultants always bring energy and
insight with your STAAR Writing CAMPs. These strategies are a
major reason our writing portion scores went up last year!
- Teacher on CAMP Evaluation, Los Fresnos United High School
Our students love doing your CAMPs! This is our second year
and our students benefit every time. I think it also reminds
our teachers of things to revisit in their classrooms to prepare
the students for STAAR Writing. Thank you so much!!
– Torres Elementary
Good information. The CAMPs are very relatable to students
and state assessment. Allows for students to make
connections with task and expectations for EOC.
– Freer High School
Strategies and activities are great motivational ways to get our
students excited about writing and scoring high on STAAR.
Thanks!
– Daiches Elementary
The consultant was very effective. She used several strategies
to keep the students’ interest. All writing strategies are very
useful.
– Mercedes Junior High
Excellent activities for students and teachers to take back to
the classroom and incorporate in their writing!
– M. S. Ryan Elementary
The students enjoyed the CAMP. I am sure that I will be able
to use what we learned today in my classes. Thank you for
your energetic presentation! It was very informative, with lots
of energy that kept the kids engaged. Great job!
– Kenedy Middle School
Great activities for kids – entertaining and hands on. I can see
them using this for their writing! Awesome strategies and
manipulatives! Excellent ideas! Very interesting and
entertaining!
– Goliad Elementary
I moved to this campus from our K-3 campus. As a third grade
teacher last year, I would have given anything to witness this
to help my third graders prepare for 4th.
– Little Cypress Intermediate
Great set of tools that the students can use on their STAAR
exam.
- Dr. Leo Cigarroa High School
This was an excellent writing presentation. Super interaction
with students. Excellent strategies for teaching students how
to write a personal narrative.
- Shadydale Elementary
Awesome job! Very enthusiastic and great activities. Great
Stuff!
– Mercedes Early College Academy
Useful tools for the classroom teachers! Presenter was very
engaging!
- Mauriceville Elementary
Great energy. I really enjoyed the manipulatives that my
students and I can use in class. The ideas presented are
realistic and feasible to using in the classroom. High energy,
relative content.
– Cleburne High School
Students were very engaged and enjoyed learning new ideas
on how to become strong and effective writers on the
expository essay.
– Hachar Elementary
Great enthusiasm! Presenter is great at getting kids involved
with hand on activities! I truly loved the energy and the
information given.
– Aquirre Junior High
I loved the movements, songs, and how the children caught
on.
- Roberts Elementary
Excellent presentation!
– Los Fresnos United 9th Grade
Fantastic workshop. Students engaged and showed
understanding of new ideas. These activities will help me in
my instruction.
– Pittman Elementary
Very enthusiastic! Students were engaged throughout the
CAMP. She caught everyone’s attention at all levels. I learned
a lot! Excellent CAMP
– Freer Junior High
Consultant was very energetic and knowledgeable. She made
a difficult topic to teach exciting. I enjoyed the different
foldables, and the fact that the students were active
participants.
- L.C. Smith Elementary
Professional Presentation! Very well organized and presented
material for student participation. Great tools for writing!
Students walked away with a packet of helpful manipulatives.
Great ideas for students.
– Mercedes High School
Motivating presentation – kept the students’ attention and
actively participating in the training. Great strategies with
supporting visuals shared. Can’t wait to use with my students!
– Charlotte High School
I feel this was an outstanding opportunity for each of the
students. The experiences gained through the CAMP will play
a huge role in their success on the STAAR test. I can’t wait to
see our writing scores soar because of you!
– Rusk Junior High
Very Informative and engaging. Perfect prep for the STAAR
test!
– Montgomery Elementary
Students enjoyed the CAMP! Well-paced. Good quick
activities. Students stayed engaged!
- Alice Johnson Junior High
The kids learned a lot. I think the CAMP information is going to
raise those STAAR scores!
– Martin High School