Page | 25 Appendix A: Research background The ePectiveness evidence framework presented above oPers a comprehensive and detailed analysis of research aligned with the product claims. In addition, we are providing here a review of critical research contributions to the underlying development of Engage in three important areas underpinning the program: motivation and engagement, scaPolded instruction, and the interaction of language and literacy in the classroom. Importance of motivation and Engagement. In a classroom setting, complex emotional and motivational factors come into play as students strive to develop language. Krashen (1982) referred to this as the “aPective filter.” When the aPective filter is high, students may experience anxiety, self-consciousness, boredom, annoyance, or even alienation. When the aPective filter is low, students experience less anxiety and are actively engaged. Current research continues to support motivation and engagement as key to literacy development for adolescents (Wilkinson 2020). Engage is structured to create environmental and pedagogical supports that engage students in the simultaneous learning of language and content in an engaging and welcoming manner. Meaningful tasks for students with disabilities and neurodiverse learners, along with amplifications for learners who would benefit from additional challenges (including gifted students), are included in every unit. ScaBolded instruction. Systemic supports are needed in order to support the complex, nonlinear process of literacy development. With scaPolded instruction in literacy, the educator supports students at a level just beyond what they are able to achieve on their own. Vygotsky (1978) called this the “zone of proximal development” (ZPD). Current research building upon the ZPD emphasizes the importance of scaPolds across the language domains. For example, the American Institutes for Research Center for English Language Learners (2018) disseminated research noting that scaPolding is crucial in language acquisition and literacy and is in alignment with recommendations for MLs when using strategies based on the Science of Reading. They suggest adding visuals, gestures, examples, graphic organizers, and sentence frames. Engage incorporates the foundational research and progressive models designed to meet the needs of students developing literacy skills. The research is translated into strategies that function in a cohesive and consistent manner, focusing on the desired result of increased language and literacy development. In this way, Engage provides a path to academic success.
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