Principal Investigators
Funder
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (Grant Number: H327A060011)
Timeframe
2006 through 2008
Project Description
Science Writer II is a technology-based writing approach to meet the challenge of supporting all students, including those with disabilities, in the science report-writing process. Research-based writing strategies and curriculum-based measurement are integrated in a flexible, digital writing environment.
In science education, writing a report is more than an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and receive a grade; writing is itself a learning experience in which students must understand and organize important concepts in their own minds before laying them down on paper. Students who write about science show increases in their understanding of both the substance and the process of science. However, many students are not fully prepared to express complicated concepts in writing. Expression of understanding and knowledge in writing is highly valued in our schools and culture, yet is extremely challenging for many students, particularly those with disabilities. Many teachers report that students understand the concepts being taught in science, but are unable to express themselves successfully in the conventional writing mode.
Science Writer explicitly guides the student through the writing process, helping the student choose and master the best strategies for writing a science report. Prompts relating to both writing and the scientific process are available on an on-demand basis for all users. Built-in supports for students with disabilities include text-to-speech, content and mechanics checklists, and a multi-media glossary. Science Writer also includes a system for teachers to monitor student progress and provide feedback.
This project extends previous research and development, funded by the U.S. Department of Education and several private foundations, which determined that writing and science comprehension skills improved substantially for students using Science Writer. Now, larger-scale research and additional development will set the stage for broader dissemination.
