William Therrien

Special Education Research Accelerator Phase 2: Identifying Generalization Boundaries Add

In this project, researchers will develop and pilot test the Special Education Research Accelerator (SERA), a platform for organizing many research teams to collaboratively conduct high-quality, large-scale replication studies with diverse samples of learners with disabilities.

The Science Writing Heuristic Postdoctoral Fellowship trained four fellows on topics in the areas of science and special education. Educational and applied experiences ensured that each fellow acquired the skills necessary to conduct rigorous education research. Fellows worked with faculty on an efficacy study of the science writing heuristic approach, which embeds science argument in typical inquiry lessons to improve student understanding of science.

Basic scientific literacy, knowledge, and skills are needed in order to participate effectively in a society increasingly shaped by science and technology. Unfortunately, mastery of rudimentary science knowledge and skills continue to be a challenge for many students. To address this need, the current study will test the efficacy of an inquiry approach that helps build elementary school students' science content knowledge, argumentation skills, and interest.