Year: 2018

Teachers and administrators of the deaf with varying levels of experience with Strategic and Interactive Writing Instruction (SIWI) collaborated over an academic year on the implementation of writing instruction. Three cohorts ran simultaneously consisting of educators new to SIWI, those with one year of experience, and educators who trained to be school-based mentors. By designing a program for beginner and advanced teachers of SIWI, we were able to schedule opportunities for teachers to share and learn from each other, both during a spring online meeting and a summer workshop. More advanced teachers brought classroom video footage and materials to share with others, as well as practical experiences and data of student successes. The collaborative work among the three cohorts helped educators make connections within and across schools.

This two-year professional development (PD) program supported teachers and administrators of the deaf as they learned about effective strategies, methods, techniques and practices for teaching writing to their K-12 students. Educators participated in a week-long workshop and engaged in onsite instructional support.

Teachers, administrators, and support staff participated in a professional development program that focused on the implementation of Strategic and Interactive Writing Instruction (SIWI). After participating in a one-week workshop over the summer, participants collaborated with the project team at their schools for additional opportunities for contextualized practice and reflection.