When did the Writing Across the Curriculum movement begin?

• A. 1980s
• B. 1990s
• C. 1970s
• D. 2000s

Answer: (C)

The Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) movement began in the 1970s as a response to the need for improved writing instruction across various disciplines in education. The premise of WAC is that writing should not be confined to English or language arts classes but integrated into the teaching of all subjects. This approach encourages students to write in different contexts, thus strengthening their writing skills and their understanding of the content.

The 1970s marked a time when educators recognized the importance of writing as a tool for learning and communication across the curriculum. Programs were developed to train teachers on how to incorporate writing assignments into their courses, which contributed to the broader educational philosophy that writing is essential for learning in every subject area.

Understanding the origins of the WAC movement in the 1970s provides insight into its lasting impact on education. It laid the groundwork for subsequent developments in writing instruction and made writing a central part of the learning process across various fields of study.