Writing Skills Workout
A Proposed Computer-Based Program For Children in Grades 2 -5
Program Description
The Writing Proficiency Crisis
Recent writing scores reported by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) indicate more than 70% of 4th, 8th, and 12th grade students fall below their respective proficiency levels. The number of high school seniors writing below their proficiency level is an appalling 76%.
A low level of writing proficiency impacts a student’s ability to achieve in other academic subjects. Below-level writing undermines confidence and motivation, contributes to a high drop-out rate, and greatly limits possibilities for future success in college or a career. That so many children are unable to write sentences and paragraphs at grade-level proficiency has profound implications, not only for the future of each individual, but for the social and economic fabric of the nation.
Defining the Problem
A typical fourth grade teacher may face a class of 30 or more students, only one-third of whom may write at grade-level proficiency. It is likely that a large majority of the class is writing below, or far below, grade level. Charged not only with improving the performance of those fourth graders writing at level, the teacher also has the persistent challenge of accelerating the achievement of those writing below grade level. In sum, the problem is one of many students in need of individual instruction and a single teacher with too little time and too few resources to provide it.
Seeking a Solution
Well-designed, computer-based writing instruction is achievable and cost-effective. Further, it is projected that almost every classroom will soon be equipped with an adequate number of computers with Internet connection. When teachers are so empowered, a quantum leap forward toward solving the problem of below-level writing will be possible–but only if effective software is at hand.
Individual computer instruction will not eliminate the need for teachers to provide personal guidance to each student, but will equip them to better address varying student performance levels and skill needs. Using the focused lessons of Writing Skills Workout, the teacher can address each child’s specific skill need.
Writing Skills Workout is a structured resource of 34 interactive lessons that teach 17 essential skills that are the solid foundation necessary for writing quality sentences and paragraphs. The program is need-focused, easy-to-use, and a readily availble resource. We have found no other computer-based program with this scope or possessing these attributes.