Improving the Writing Skills of English Learners: An Impact on Student Learning Analysis

Abstract

In this action research project, English learners’ (ELs) progress is monitored with a variety of formal and informal evaluation methods through the Impact on Student Learning Analysis (ISLA). The purpose of this ISLA is to: a) determine the effect of instruction; b) use assessment methods to guide instruction; and c) communicate the results to multiple audiences. As evidence of this, lessons centered on writing conventions were implemented, with formative writing assessments to guide future lessons. Writing quizzes were given every week to determine the effect of the instruction. As a result of this analysis, it was deduced which formal and informal evaluation methods best worked with these ELs. By directly focusing on writing conventions, all ELs showed an increase in writing convention knowledge and overall writing skills.