Figure 6. Graphic organizer/work space created for argumentative essay
aligned with the following New York State Next Generation Learning Standard in Reading and Writing: 9-10W1: Write arguments to support claims that analyze sub- stantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence (NYSED, 2018). Tools Ethan’s team chose DocsPlus (https://www.cricksoft.com/us/ docsplus) as the most helpful AT tool to accomplish his tasks. Some of the features of DocsPlus that Ethan used included the graphic organizer/workspace, word bars, word prediction and text to speech. Because Ethan needed to generate and process his thoughts and manage the many steps required in this assign-
ment, the graphic organizer/workspace was especially helpful (see Figure 6). Ethan also used word bars and word prediction features in order to help him translate his thoughts into com- plete sentences more efficiently. Lastly, Ethan used the text to speech feature of DocsPlus as an editing tool. Using the speech feedback feature allowed him to hear mistakes in spelling and grammar and correct them prior to publishing his final piece (see Figure 8) . Teaching Ethan’s special educator introduced the RACES strategy by showing him a brief video presentation that concisely high- lighted each step of the strategy: (https://www.youtube.com/
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