Empowering Student Writers with the Jane Schaffer Academic Writing Program

Empowering Student Writers with the

At The Prentice School, we are dedicated to providing our students with the tools they need to succeed, regardless of the learning challenges they face. From dyslexia and dysgraphia to ADHD and Auditory Processing Disorder, we understand that every child’s learning journey is unique. That’s why we are excited to announce the integration of the Jane Schaffer Academic Writing Program across all grades, from 2nd to 8th.

This structured, evidence-based program will play a pivotal role in helping students improve their writing skills while building confidence in expressing their ideas.

What is the Jane Schaffer Academic Writing Program?

The Jane Schaffer Academic Writing Program is a step-by-step approach to teaching writing that helps students organize their thoughts, build strong paragraphs, and express themselves clearly. This method breaks down the writing process into manageable parts, teaching students how to structure sentences, paragraphs, and essays in a logical and cohesive way. The program focuses on teaching core writing skills such as:

• Sentence Structure: Clear guidance on how to craft well-written sentences.
• Paragraph Development: Techniques for organizing thoughts into focused, well-supported paragraphs.
• Use of Evidence: Training on how to use quotes and examples to support arguments or narratives.
• Editing and Revising: Encouraging students to critically analyze their own writing and improve upon it.

Why the Jane Schaffer Program Works for Students with Learning Differences

The structured nature of the Jane Schaffer Program is especially beneficial for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and other learning challenges. These students often struggle with the abstract, unstructured aspects of writing, but the Jane Schaffer approach breaks it down into concrete, repeatable steps, making it easier for them to grasp.

At The Prentice School, we’ve tailored the program to meet the specific needs of our students:

• Dyslexia: The Jane Schaffer method supports students with dyslexia by providing a clear, visual framework for writing. This reduces the cognitive load of organizing thoughts, allowing them to focus on content.
• Dysgraphia: For students with dysgraphia, the step-by-step approach to building sentences and paragraphs helps alleviate the stress of writing, allowing them to focus on developing ideas rather than worrying about mechanics.
• ADHD: The program’s clear structure helps students with ADHD stay organized and focused. By breaking the writing process into smaller, manageable parts, students can work on one step at a time without feeling overwhelmed.
• Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): Students with APD benefit from the program’s visual aids and structured approach, helping them bridge the gap between listening and written expression.

A Seamless Integration Across Grades

From 2nd to 8th grade, The Prentice School’s teachers have adapted the Jane Schaffer Academic Writing Program to meet students at their individual writing levels. As students progress through the grades, they will build on the skills they’ve learned, advancing from basic sentence construction in the early grades to more complex essays and papers in the upper grades.

• Grades 2-4: In the lower grades, students are introduced to the fundamentals of sentence structure and paragraph writing. Teachers use graphic organizers and visual aids to help students outline their ideas, gradually building confidence in writing.
• Grades 5-6: As students progress, they begin to incorporate more sophisticated writing techniques, such as using textual evidence to support their ideas and developing multi-paragraph essays. Students are encouraged to express themselves clearly and logically while using the structured format to keep their writing organized.
• Grades 7-8: In the upper grades, students are challenged to expand their writing skills further. They learn to integrate evidence, craft strong thesis statements, and refine their revision and editing skills.

Buddy System: Writing Together for Growth and Confidence

This year, one of the most exciting elements of The Prentice School writing program is the Writing Buddy System. This innovative approach pairs 6th-grade students with 2nd and 3rd graders to work together as writing buddies. The older students help mentor and guide the younger ones through the writing process, using the techniques they’ve learned from the program.

For the younger students, this partnership provides both inspiration and support. They see their older peers as role models and are motivated to improve their own writing skills. At the same time, the older students gain confidence and leadership skills by teaching what they’ve learned. The act of guiding younger students reinforces the 6th graders’ own understanding of the writing process, making the experience valuable for both age groups.

The Buddy System strengthens not only writing skills but also the sense of community, collaboration, and mutual growth between students of different ages. It’s a key part of how The Prentice School fosters a supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.

Building Confidence and Independence in Writing

One of the most powerful outcomes of the Jane Schaffer Academic Writing Program is the boost in student confidence. Writing can often be a source of frustration for students with learning differences, but by breaking the process down into achievable steps, we empower our students to feel successful in their writing.

At The Prentice School, we believe that writing is not just a skill—it’s a tool for self-expression and critical thinking. With the integration of the Jane Schaffer Academic Writing Program, we are not only teaching our students how to write but also how to think critically and communicate effectively.

The integration of the Jane Schaffer Academic Writing Program is another step in our mission to provide individualized, research-based instruction that meets the unique needs of our students. By giving our students the tools and confidence they need, we are helping them unlock their full potential, both in writing and beyond.

If you’d like to learn more about our academic programs and how we support students with learning differences, feel free to reach out or visit us at The Prentice School. Together, we’re helping every student find their voice.