Anyone know of 4-square method of writing workshop?

[Mary Dovey <mgdovey@comcast.net>]

Hi all-
My principal has asked me for input on a staff member attending a two-day
professional development workshop, "Creating and Managing the Writer's
Workshop" put on by Judith Gold, the author of the Four Square writing
books. The dicey part is that PD is supposed to go through me as the
literacy coach, and he really wants to deny it.

Background: Recently, I took a group of grade-level team leaders to see
Nancie Atwell to support our district's adoption of a writing workshop
approach as curriculum. The idea was that the attendees would share the
workshop ideas with their team members, and/or work with me on implementing
the ideas. With the exception of asking me for a few materials I've created
over the years, this particular woman has never asked me for anything and
I'm not the type to barge in uninvited.

I was hoping to ask this woman and some younger grade teachers to go to see
Lucy Calkins who will be in Philadelphia in Feb. Her subject is also writing
workshop and I feel her status alone would make it an event.

I don't really know how to respond to the principal on this. I'm just happy
that this teacher, on the verge of retirement, is interested enough in the
subject to attend. Heck, if someone thinks this "4 square" approach is good,
maybe it's worth it.

Help-help-help and thanks,
Mary D.