FAQs
What does the IWP do?
The Integrated Writing Program, or IWP, reverse engineers the writing process that has ultimately harmed students for years. It helps students develop understanding of the assignment or topic before formulating an opinion. This process ensures that when they know enough to make an original claim, that they will already have the means to support it.
Who should use the ECCO Map?
The ECCO Map (which stands for the new writing direction--Evidence, Connections, Claims, Organizing Principle) works best for students in a secondary (6-12) and university curriculum. It can provide benefits for younger students as well.
The system works especially well for students who speak a first language other than English as well as students with learning disabilities.
How does the ECCO Map work?
The ECCO Map template is designed to allow students to begin quickly and efficiently in the writing process by gathering quantities of information. A four step process allows them to build upon what they learn so that they can write complete, original, thoughtful essays even under timed conditions.
What types of writing benefit from the ECCO Map process?
The process improves most writing types, including:
Argumentative
Informational
Explanatory
Narrative
Research-based assignments
How does the IWP help students?
The program teaches students a method to develop ideas and opinions from all curriculum content. By standardizing the process across all classes, the students have a comfort level that translates into stronger, long-term understanding of material.
How does the IWP help teachers?
The IWP helps teachers by adapting to the lessons and standards that they already teach. Students move beyond memorization and test preparation as they use the ECCO Map.
The ECCO Map can be graded in a tenth of the time it takes to grade an essay, while showing nearly the same level of student understanding of the advanced thinking that the essay format requires.
Which subjects should use the IWP?
All subjects should use the program! It even works for math. Any curriculum that involves vocabulary, processes, opinions, reflection, or understanding will benefit from the IWP.
How do teachers and students learn how the program works?
Dr. Epstein will schedule a time with teachers to determine what students need to learn. Together, we will plan the lesson (which is surprisingly easy for all it accomplishes). Dr. Epstein will teach the lesson to the students and the teacher during the earliest class block. The teacher will be able to teach the lesson to the next class that arrives--even if it is five minutes later.
How do teachers grade student work through the IWP?
Dr. Epstein will show you how to grade and provide feedback. With a little practice, grading should take around 30 minutes for a class of essay-caliber answers. Feedback can be given as a teacher circulates throughout the classroom as well for formative assessment.
Does the IWP allow customization?
Absolutely! Please plan in advance because the wording of the directions has worked to maximum efficiencies. Dr. Epstein can show you how to get the output you want. The process has worked for science projects, criminal justice crime scene reports, IB and MYP math tests, and much more.
How does the IWP template translate to stronger essay writing?
Students begin the process with a win. Freed from the burden of the traditional approach where they must develop a thesis before they know the subject, the ECCO Map begins with a focus on finding quantities of information.
This first step can take the form of a class discussion, a team or paired shared information, a research session, or an individual brainstorm. This step is significantly easier for students, especially reluctant writers, and it builds confidence as they tackle the next steps.
The entire process becomes almost game-like, and students frequently compete to see who can develop the strongest claims and ideas. A single prompt can yield twenty different opinions in a single class--many that will surprise the teacher. The process shows true knowledge--students can make meaning from unfamiliar material.
How should non-English teachers use the ECCO Map?
It is understandable that teachers of other subjects than English may feel that they do not have the background or confidence to teach writing. By watching a lesson taught by Dr. Epstein in their own classroom, teachers will be amazed at how well they do.
Also, a written step by step guide is available to walk students through the process. You will find that even if everything does not go as planned, the student output still surpasses what normally gets submitted.
How should I introduce the ECCO Map process to my students?
Chances are, the students are already familiar with the ECCO Map. All English classes in the 9th and 10th grade have provided extensive practice, and students are quite competent. Science, Spanish, art, ESOL and other subjects also have experience. In some cases, students will show you how it works.
Does the system work online?
While last year’s virtual learning kept students out of the classroom, the IWP was able to work. However, true writing ability is much better shown in a classroom setting with pen on paper during the planning stage.
The ECCO Map is printed on large, 11 x 17 inch paper, which provides the space to develop more complex ideas. Screen size limits effectiveness somewhat, although the students can accomplish the learning goals. The materials are all available in digital format.
How can I get answers to questions about the IWP?
Please do not hesitate to email Dr. Epstein at integratedwritingprogram@gmail.com. The email is at the bottom of every map.
You can also call or text 404-605-9007.
Does the program require full essays for all assignments?
No--in fact multiple maps exist for all kinds of writing. Single paragraphs, multiple questions, comparison-contrast writing, etc. Each of the four steps provides a wealth of learning objectives that can serve as both formative and summative assessments.