ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how writing contests provide an authentic learning opportunity for students since many writers find writing contests motivating. It provides steps for implementing a writing contest and suggestions for writing contests students may choose to enter. The chapter also provides another step to facilitate preservice teachers’ authentic evaluation of writing contest entries. Most educators agree standardized writing assessments are inauthentic, yet many teachers must provide students mock, on-demand prompts to prepare students for high-stakes standardized writing assessments to meet state and district requirements. Writing in response to writing contest prompts will not scaffold student learning. A writing contest prompt may inspire a student to write and play a competitive game; thus, teachers may use writing contests to spark students’ interest in writing. Finally, the chapter presents detail for how to use writing contests for instructional purposes as mentor texts and for standardized assessment preparation.
