SIWI is an approach to writing instruction that aims to be responsive to the varied language needs of deaf learners. SIWI draws upon evidence-based approaches to teaching writing such as strategy instruction in writing and collaborative, interactive writing. SIWI also contains elements that provide teachers with guidance on language instruction such as how to navigate between ASL and English when teaching developing bilinguals, or how to facilitate greater expressive language clarity and complexity among children with language delays. There is growing evidence to suggest SIWI has a positive impact on students’ expressive language, word identification, motivation, and writing outcomes at the word-, sentence-, and discourse-levels.
For more information about SIWI, including published research and professional development opportunities, click here!