The effects of a secondary academic intervention, embedded in the context of a positive behavior support model, on the writing of second-grade students at risk for emotional and behavioral disorder and writing problems were examined in this study. Students were taught how to plan and draft a story using the self-regulated strategy development model. Results of this multiple-probe design revealed lasting improvements in story completeness, length, and quality for all 6 students. Students and teachers rated the intervention favorably, with some indicating that the intervention exceeded their expectations. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.

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In this randomized controlled study, 20 second- and third-grade teachers participated in practice-based professional development in strategies instruction in either story or opinion essay writing, using the Self-Regulated Strategies Development (SRSD) instructional model. These teachers worked in schools collaborating with a local university to implement an evidence-based, three-tiered model of prevention and supports targeting academic, behavioral, and social goals. The authors examined the effects of intensive practice-based professional development and follow-up support on the writing of second- and third-grade students in terms of quality, length, and inclusion of basic genre elements; integrity of SRSD instruction; and teacher and student judgments of the social validity of SRSD. Whole-class (Tier 1), teacher-implemented SRSD instruction resulted in significant and meaningful changes in student writing outcomes for story and opinion essay writing. Teachers implemented SRSD with fidelity, and SRSD was viewed as socially valid by teachers and students. Limitations of this study and directions for future research are discussed.

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Despite consensus regarding critical design elements for professional development (PD), numerous PD studies have not shown anticipated effects for teachers or students. Mixed methods studies investigating when and why PD is successful are needed. The qualitative study reported here was part of a larger, mixed methods study of PD for self-regulated strategy development (SRSD) in writing; the randomized controlled trial found significant and meaningful outcomes for teachers and students. In the current qualitative study, 14 Grades 2 and 3 teachers discussed semistructured, open-ended questions in small focus groups regarding their experiences with, reactions to, and evaluations of aspects and components of PD and SRSD. These teachers’ voices contribute to our understanding of critical aspects of effective PD as well as SRSD.

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Teachers must be equipped with the skills necessary to effectively deliver quality instruction, especially when implementing an evidence-based practice. Delivering these practices with high levels of fidelity requires knowledge that goes beyond what is learned in initial teacher preparation programs, often requiring ongoing and targeted professional development. In the current study, 19 teachers and instructional personnel attended and completed a professional development opportunity to learn how to use the Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) model, an evidence-based practice, when teaching writing. Pre- and post-professional development surveys were completed and analyzed to evaluate whether meaningful outcomes occurred. Results indicated that the professional development caused participants to re-conceptualize their knowledge and perceptions of quality writing and quality writing instruction and to explicitly share intentions to implement SRSD writing instruction in their classrooms. Results will be shared and implications for future research discussed.