National standardized test scores indicate West Virginia students perform below the national average in writing achievement, yet little research has been conducted to investigate how writing is being taught. Gaining understanding of the instructional strategies West Virginia teachers use to teach writing may provide insight for educational leaders…

Writing skills are important for educational achievement, employment and social and civic participation. This quasi-experimental study aimed to improve essay writing skills with an evidence-based intervention in two schools of mainstream P6 (grade 5) students (N = 44) in a largely rural local authority in Scotland. The intervention included peer…

A training package for the Collaborative Model for Promoting Competence and Success (COMPASS), a multilevel consultation and coaching intervention for improved educational outcomes of students with autism, was developed and evaluated. Using a Hybrid Type 3 design with emphasis on implementation and a multidimensional approach to evaluating…

A small proportion of students do not benefit sufficiently from standard intervention protocols and require more intensive, individualized instruction. Data-based instruction (DBI) has a strong evidence base for addressing students' intensive academic needs, yet it is not widely implemented. In this study, we explored the usability and feasibility…

A small proportion of students do not benefit sufficiently from standard intervention protocols, and require more intensive, individualized instruction. Data-Based Instruction (DBI) has a strong evidence base for addressing students' intensive academic needs, yet it is not widely implemented. In this study, we explored the usability and…

This article outlines a quality improvement (QI) initiative to build organizational capacity for engagement in research and evidence-based practice in early intervention (EI). The authors describe the implementation of online learning modules, a writing group simulation, and the launch of a writing group fellowship with service coordinators and…

Writing is a cornerstone in the K-12 experience. Students write to demonstrate, support, and deepen understanding of themselves, their relationships, and their world--and to succeed on achievement tests in all subjects. Writing proficiency sets students up for postsecondary success and workforce participation. It facilitates their social and civic…

Sounds-Write is a systematic synthetic phonics approach that has been successfully used to teach students to read and spell for the last two decades. This volume brings together twelve case studies -- written by practitioners -- of implementation of the Sounds-Write programme in different settings and geographical contexts (Europe, US, Australia).…

In school districts and charter school networks nationwide, instructional leaders are developing plans to address the enormous challenges faced by their students, families, teachers, and staff over the past year. To help kick-start the planning process, the Thomas B. Fordham Institute presents "The Acceleration Imperative," an…

The Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy (CCSS-ELA) were adopted by approximately forty states (though in some cases, with significant revisions). However, researchers are still trying to understand how teachers are implementing the CCSS-ELA at the ground level--that is, in actual ELA classrooms. The CCSS-ELA call for…

The George W. Bush Institute began the Middle School Matters (MSM) initiative in 2010 with the goal of increasing the number of students who are prepared for high school and postsecondary success. The initiative accomplishes this by drawing upon evidence-based research to develop practical tools and engaging support opportunities for middle grade…

This study investigated interactions between evidence-based practices implemented and attributions of factors contributing to achievement of student learning objectives. Conducted in three school districts in a mid-Atlantic state, 78 teachers completed an end-of-year survey. Internal attributions were significantly correlated with implementation…

Although writing plays an important role in the academic, psychosocial, and economic success of individuals, typical writing instruction and assessment in the United States generally does not reflect evidence-based practices. The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) place a great deal of emphasis on written expression and may encourage an increased…

Although writing plays an important role in the academic, psychosocial, and economic success of individuals, typical writing instruction and assessment in the United States generally does not reflect evidence-based practices. The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) place a great deal of emphasis on written expression and may encourage an increased…

The Louisiana Striving Readers evaluation assessed the implementation and effectiveness of the Voyager "Passport Reading Journeys" (PRJ), a widely used supplemental literacy intervention for struggling adolescent readers that reflects the research-based practices recommended by the National Reading Panel (2000) and other more recent…