Efficacy Study of Writing Coach: A Writing Curriculum by
Pearson
Information for Interested Schools
- Writing Coach Study Description (PDF)
- Writing Coach Study Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
- Writing Coach Study Application Form (DOC)
Study Description
Cobblestone Applied Research & Evaluation, Inc. will conduct
an intervention study to examine the Pearson Writing Coach program in
selected middle schools in grades 7 and 8 during the 2011-12 school
year.
The program will be tested in pull-out intervention classes. Students
will be randomly assigned to the “treatment” group (using the
Pearson Writing Coach program) or the “control” group
(continuing to conduct business as usual).
Writing Coach is a digitally-driven grammar and writing program that
uses students’ writing samples to diagnose strengths and weaknesses in
their grammar and writing skills. The online program supports them with
personalized feedback, grammar instruction, and remediation.
For more information about Writing Coach and to preview the program,
please visit www.phwritingcoach.com
to preview the program.
Incentives
The incentives to participating schools and teachers include:
- Training: Free training and product orientation for all intervention instructors selected to use the Pearson Writing Coach program
- Program materials: Free Pearson Writing Coach materials, including Teacher Edition books and Writing Coach student site licenses
- Teacher stipends: All participating intervention teachers will receive a $100 cash stipend
School Site Characteristics
In order to be considered for participation in the study, schools must meet the following criteria:
- Schools should have at least one intervention instructor
(e.g., reading coach or paraprofessional) that can deliver the
Pearson Writing Coach intervention program.
- The interventionist(s) must work with the intervention students outside of the primary classroom. In addition, he/she must have a minimum of two years of instructional experience.
- The interventionist must work with students for a minimum of 90 minutes each week.
- Each student must have access to a computer with internet access during the intervention session.
- Schools must obtain district approval to participate in the study.
- Schools must agree to the random assignment of students to either the treatment group (using Pearson Writing Coach) or control group (continuing to conduct business as usual).
Data Collection
The study will require that students and intervention instructors participate in a combination of pre/post surveys, assessments, and program implementation monitoring, including the following:
- Student and teacher surveys
- Diagnostic and reading assessments
- Teacher logs
- Teacher focus groups/ interviews
- Classroom observations
As an independent research company we conduct scientifically rigorous studies while still working closely with schools to meet the unique educational needs of their students.
We are excited to work with schools interested in improving literacy of struggling students!
