WEGO (Writing Efficiently with Graphic Organizers), George Mason University
Description:
A series of WEGO (Writing Efficiently with Graphic Organizers) projects have involved the development and effective integration of a technology-based writing intervention package including technology tools for students as well as instructional resources and professional development for teachers.
WEGO tools for students feature technology-based graphic organizers with embedded evidence-based self-regulated learning strategies, mnemonics, video models, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) supports in order to improve the quality of persuasive, expository, and personal narrative essay writing for students with and without high-incidence disabilities struggling with writing in upper elementary and middle schools.
In addition to features that support students’ writing performance, the WEGO teacher dashboard offers opportunities for teachers to make data-driven decisions about their writing instruction. It stores and organizes data on students’ use of the WEGO tool as well as offers a side-by-side presentation of the students’ completed essays and an interactive analytic writing rubric. Professional development and various teacher resources are available on the website to support effective technology integration.
Various WEGO tools were tested with more than 1,500 students in 4th-12th grades and more than 100 teachers in different settings. Overall, the struggling writers improved the quantity of essay writing (e.g., number of words and sentences) while all students, regardless of ability, improved the quality of essay writing (e.g., writing quality score). When given sufficient practice, students maintained progress when the WEGO tools were removed. All teachers and students reported to be very satisfied with the tool and believed the tools helped students to become better writers (see attached WEGO Selected References). The newest version of the WEGO tools will include motivating educational games focused on the components of the writing process as well as the AI-powered brainstorming support (to be released in 2026).