Writing for Life: The Evidence Base for Powerful Writing Instruction

The ability to write proficiently is a critical skill in school, work, and life, and yet it has been consistently sidelined in schools. Today there is a renewed focus on K–6 writing instruction, but too often assessment is treated as central, and instruction prioritizes writing for standardized tests, rather than the development of robust, comprehensive written communication skills. This white paper, co-authored by the National Writing Project and Collaborative Classroom, explores the key characteristics of high-quality, research-based writing instruction.