Evaluation of A Toolkit to Support Evidence-Based Writing Instruction in Grades 2 Through 4
New collection (Request for a new OMB Control Number)
No
Regular
Approved without change
03/08/2024
12/28/2023
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
03/31/2027
36 Months From Approved
4,188
0
0
1,237
0
0
0
0
0
The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) within the U.S. Department of Education (ED) requests clearance for data collection activities to support an evaluation of A Toolkit to Support Evidence-Based Writing Instruction in Grades 2 Through 4. Specifically, this request covers collection of data to conduct an evaluation to assess whether implementing the writing toolkit (1) improves teachersâ attitudes towards writing and helps them align their writing instruction with the evidence-based recommendations in the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Teaching Elementary School Students to Be Effective Writers practice guide and (2) improves studentsâ writing quality and reading achievement. This randomized controlled trial study will compare teacher and student outcomes in schools that implement the writing toolkit (the treatment group) with the teacher and student outcomes in schools that continue to provide their usual professional development supports (the comparison group).
There is a great need for professional learning supports in elementary writing instruction to address low reading and writing proficiency across the country. Teacher preparation programs rarely offer stand-alone writing instruction (Myers et al. 2016; Morgan 2010; Brenner 2013), and surveys show many teachers and teacher educators do not feel confident in writing instruction (Myers et al. 2016; Cutler and Graham 2008). An accessible package of professional learning materials designed to help educators translate evidence-based recommendations for elementary writing instruction into daily instruction could be a game-changer for improving teacher practice and student writing.
The elementary writing toolkit aims to offer such an accessible, evidence-based professional learning package by drawing on the WWC Teaching Elementary School Students to Be Effective Writers practice guide. The practice guide helps to fill the professional development gaps for elementary writing instruction by providing clear, actionable recommendations along with specific implementation steps and examples. The toolkit will build on the practice guide to (1) make the recommendations and implementation guidance accessible and engaging for busy educators, (2) create a structure for learning and applying practices throughout a school year, (3) promote collaborative learning and planning among teachers, and (4) offer tools for sustaining practices over time. The toolkit will be a one-stop shop that enables schools and educators to access all supports in one place, complemented by diagnostic tools to assess practices and resources for school leaders to institutionalize practices over time. Incorporating multimedia resources that are easy to navigate will make the toolkit more inviting and will facilitate the reinforcement of concepts that are difficult to learn through text alone.
To provide context for the impact findings and inform further development of the toolkit, the evaluation will examine teachersâ experiences and engagement in toolkit activities, the learning modules completed, challenges encountered and suggested solutions, feedback on areas to improve the toolkit and institutional supports, and the extent to which the professional development in writing instruction received by teachers differs between treatment and control schools. Obtaining feedback on improving the toolkit, regardless of whether the impact findings are positive, is critical to ensure that the toolkit is as useful as possible to districts, schools, and teachers when they implement the evidence-based practices.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Teacher Implementation Survey
Pretest Memo.docx
Appendix L_Writing Toolkit Evaluation Fact Sheet.pdf
Evaluation of A Toolkit to Support Evidence-Based Writing Instruction in Grades 2 Through 4