DepartmentSchool of Education
Biola AffiliationsFaculty

Documents

Degrees

  • Ph.D., Azusa Pacific University
  • M.A., Biola University
  • B.A., University of California, Riverside

Member of

Biography

A native Californian, Christie Curtis specializes in grammar and writing curriculum development. Her most recent book, Grammar and Writing 3 (piloted in 2015–16), was co-authored with Mary Hake and is one of six grammar and writing textbooks in their series. Utilizing her experiences as a former public and private school teacher, she has authored student editions, teacher editions and supplementary workbooks for Grammar and Writing 3, Grammar and Writing 4, Grammar and Writing 5, Grammar and Writing 6, Grammar and Writing 7 and Grammar and Writing 8. She has written weekly "Grammar Gems" for Biola University's Inside Story, and has provided teaching seminars for Biola's staff and faculty in her areas of expertise: grammar, sentence structure, spelling, proofreading, editing, revising and communication (both oral and written). Curtis has spoken on a variety of topics at the conventions of the Association of Christian Schools International in Anaheim. Her passion for grammar infects those who enroll in her professional writing course. She believes that everyone should know the reasons for their word choices and sentence structures. Mentoring her students provides personal joy as she finds ways to relate to her students at a deeper level. Curtis has been married for 47 years and enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren. Their family activities include weekly surfing trips, excursions to national parks and an annual week of camp with the entire family at Forest Home Christian Conference Center.

Publications

  • "The cognitive development among international students attending highly selective universities.” Curtis, C. J. Accepted for publication in Journal of International Students. May 2020.
  • β€œThe effect of writing proficiency on cognitive skills development among international students.” Curtis, C. J. Journal of Global Education and Research, 3(1), 71-84. 2019. http://doi.org/10.5038/2577-50... and Writing 3, Student Text. Curtis, C. J., Hake, M. E. Manuscript being field- tested, 2016.
  • Grammar and Writing 3, Workbook. Curtis, C. J., Hake, M. E. Manuscript being field- tested, 2016.
  • Grammar and Writing 3, Teacher Packet. Curtis, C. J., Hake, M. E. Manuscript being field- tested, 2016.
  • "Cognitive skill development among international students studying at highly selective universities in California." Kim, Y. K., Curtis, C. J., Edens, D., Iorio, M., & Romero, E. Journal of Studies in International Education, 5(4), 526-54. September/October 2015.
  • Grammar and Writing 6, Student Text. (2nd ed.). Curtis, C. J., Hake, M. E. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014
  • Grammar and Writing 6, Workbook. (2nd ed.). Curtis, C. J., Hake, M. E. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014.
  • Grammar and Writing 6, Teacher Packet. (2nd. ed.). Curtis, C. J., Hake, M. E. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014.
  • Grammar and Writing 8, Student Text. (2nd ed.). Curtis, C. J., Hake, M. E. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014.
  • Grammar and Writing 8, Workbook. (2nd ed.). Curtis, C. J., Hake, M. E. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014.

Presentations

  • Seminar, Biola University, La Mirada, CA.
  • Presented on "Tips and tools for writing well," 2015.

    • California Educational Research Association, San Diego, CA.
      Presented on "Cognitive skills development among international students studying at highly selective universities in the United States," 2014.
      • American Education Research Association (AERA), Philadelphia, PA.
        Co-presented with Kim, Y. K., Edens, D., Iorio, M., & Romero, E on "Cognitive skills development among international students studying at highly selective universities in the United States," November 2014.
      • Seminar, Biola University, La Mirada, CA
        Presented on "Business writing and E-mail etiquette." January 2013.

      • Association of Christian Schools International, Anaheim, CA
        Presented on "Spelling secrets." November 2012.

      • Association of Christian Schools International, Anaheim, CA
        Presented on "Troublesome words." November 2011.

      • Association of Christian Schools International, Anaheim, CA
        Presented on "How to communicate well." November 2010.

      • Association of Christian Schools International, Anaheim, CA
        Presented on "Pitfalls in grammar and writing." November 2009.

      • Seminar, Biola University, La Mirada, CA
        Presented on "Lots of letters." January 2009.

      • Two -part writing Seminar, Biola University, La Mirada, CA
        Presented on "Spelling secrets." January 2009.

      • Seminar, Biola University, La Mirada, CA
        Presented on "Revising, editing, and proofreading." January 2009.

      • Association of Christian Schools International, Anaheim, CA
        Presented on "How to communicate well." November 2008.

      • Three -part writing Seminar, Biola University, La Mirada, CA
        Presented on "How to communicate well." June 2008.

      • Three -part writing Seminar, Biola University, La Mirada, CA
        Presented on "Basics of writing." January 2008.

      • Association of Christian Schools International, Anaheim, CA
        Presented on "Grammar: To teach or not to teach...That is the question." November 2007.

      • Association of Christian Schools International, Anaheim, CA
        Presented on "Effective movement," "Healthy living," and "Power kid." N.D.

            Research Interests

            • Supporting international students
            • Spirituality practices of international students
            • Supporting post-traditional students
            • Writing proficiency

            Areas of Expertise for Media Interviews

            • Education
            • English
            • Teaching
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