EL2: An Efficacy Study of Strategic and Interactive Writing Instruction: Teacher Development and Student Outcomes

EL2 Director Thomas Allen is the co-principal investigator with researchers from:

• University of Tennessee
• University of Connecticut
• Arizona State University

They are evaluating the efficacy of the Strategic and Interactive Writing Instruction (SIWI) curriculum.

Funded by the National Center for Special Education Research, the SIWI project is a “Goal Three” project. It assesses the efficacy of the curriculum developed and established through successful Goal One and Goal Two projects.

The SIWI curriculum itself is developed to address the writing challenges faced by deaf and hard of hearing students. It is not a scripted curriculum but a framework to foster strong and creative writing skills in deaf students. It is designed for use in elementary school classrooms with deaf and hard of hearing children. These children come from a variety of communication backgrounds.

The project also has a strong focus on professional development opportunities for elementary school teachers.