In this project, the team will develop a prototype of an online platform for middle and high school students to facilitate argumentative writing of essays and term papers. The platform, to be designed in coordination between the small business and the National Writers Project, will support teacher and student self- and peer-review of writing, and will facilitate a feedback process that scaffolds improvements in students' source-based writing. The project team will conduct a Phase I pilot study, in which eight middle school educators and 160 students will test if the prototype functions as planned and is easy to use, if students find it useful and efficient for drafting, revising, and reviewing writing assignments, and if educators feel the reports can be used to inform feedback and curriculum planning.
