Are Foundational Writing Skills Evolving?

The conversation explores the implications of AI in education, particularly in writing. It features educators discussing foundational skills necessary for writing, the evolving nature of these skills, and the potential role of AI as a tool for enhancing learning. The participants express diverse perspectives on whether AI can support or hinder the development of essential writing skills, emphasizing the need for careful technology integration in the classroom. The discussion highlights the importance of critical thinking, collaboration, and the human element in teaching and learning. Follow us on Twitter: @JSerravallo @jeremybballer @MelanieMeehan1 @heymrsbond @T_F_Berger @JonHarper70bd @BAMRadioNetwork Chanea Bond is a North Texas English and literacy teacher, scholar, and activist. Her areas of interest and advocacy include diversifying literacy curriculum to better represent the lived experience of her students and their communities. Tom Berger is the Managing Editor, Contributor, and he is a former high school and college English teacher. As an editor and writer, he has covered travel, world news, and community economic development, and I’m excited to now be back in the world of education, working on high-quality content that’s of value to teachers. He is a former high school and college English teacher. As an editor and writer, he’s covered travel, world news, and community economic development, and he is excited to now be back in the world of education, working on high-quality content that’s of value to teachers. Melanie Meehan is the Elementary Curriculum Coordinator in Simsbury, Connecticut. She develops curriculum and assessments, coaches teachers, and works with students to help them become confident, competent writers. Melanie has written several books about writing instruction, co-authored the popular blog Two Writing Teachers, and co-hosted its companion podcast. Additionally, she consults with school districts and educational companies and tutors writers worldwide. Jeremy Hyler was a middle school English teacher for almost 22 years. Currently, he works as a Manager of Educational Partnerships for the nonprofit Center for the Collaborative Classroom, where the science of reading is a key component of the literacy programs. He is also a teacher consultant/leader for the Chippewa River Writing Project. Jeremy has co-authored the best-selling book Create, Compose, Connect! Reading, Writing, and Learning with Digital Tools (Routledge/Eye on Education, 2014) with Dr. Troy Hicks, along with From Texting to Teaching: Grammar Instruction in a Digital Age (2017), and Ask, Explore, Write: An Inquiry-Driven Approach to Science and Literacy Learning. Jennifer Serravallo is a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning educator, literacy consultant, frequent invited speaker at state and national conferences, and former member of the Parents Magazine editorial board. Jen is best known for creating books (including The Reading Strategies Book 2.0) and resources rooted in research that help make responsive, strategic, differentiated literacy instruction possible for all educators.