Our Mission
Our mission is simple and inspiring. First, we are driven by a profound commitment to change students' lives forever.
Changing Student’s Lives
We use the term ‘simple’ not to downplay the complexity of our work but to emphasize that we know exactly how to do it, thanks to the tireless efforts of Karen Harris, Steve Graham, and teams of SRSD researchers who have dedicated over 40 years to the science of writing and SRSD classroom research. Their scientific endeavors have provided us with the roadmap to make things easier for you and your students to succeed. Simple!
We say “forever” because the evidence is clear—teach kids how to write using SRSD, and they will exceed expectations and achieve life-long success. To that end, we are committed to creating training programs that are evidence-based, customizable, and fiscally responsible, enhancing every school’s credibility and improving student achievement. By continually refining our world-class writing instruction training- rooted in the science of writing- we ensure a sustainable and successful future for all. Forever!
Second, Supporting the Researchers
We are deeply honored to be entrusted with preserving and amplifying the legacies of Karen Harris, Steve Graham, and their esteemed SRSD research colleagues.
Their pioneering work continues to influence and guide our practices, and it is a privilege to keep their innovative spirit alive by constantly adapting their techniques to meet the evolving needs of today’s classrooms. We are steadfast in our goal to make SRSD a standard practice in education, maintaining a close connection to the original research and its ongoing advancements. This dedication ensures that our programs are evidence-based, effective, and relevant, helping us achieve our ultimate mission of creating sustainable, impactful educational change that benefits students and teachers. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to fulfill Karen and Steve’s legacy.
And finally: Supporting YOU!
Our mission includes you, the educators and administrators, who are the driving force behind our work. All of the writing instruction modules that we create are intend to support your work. Through your efforts, we will attract the attention of other teachers, coaches, principals, and superintendents, making SRSD the norm in education and ensuring our impact endures for generations to come.
Join us on our Journey
to revolutionize writing instruction and unlock the potential within every student.
Schedule a Consultation
Self-Regulated Strategy Development Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the SRSD Online teacher professional learning course take?
Our SRSD Online course is designed to be completed at your own pace, typically requiring about 6 to 8 hours. This flexible format allows you to engage with the material whenever it fits your schedule, making it easy to integrate learning into your busy routine.
Do teachers take the course independently or as a group?
It’s your choice!
Teachers can take our SRSD Online course either independently or as part of a group, with each approach offering unique advantages. And in both cases you will always have our online help desk to get you to the finish line.
Independent Learning:
For those who prefer to learn on their own, our SRSD Online course provides the flexibility to progress at your own pace. This allows you to reflect deeply on how SRSD can be tailored to fit your teaching style and meet the specific needs of your classroom.
Group Learning:
Alternatively, taking the course as part of a group nurtures a collaborative environment where teachers can share insights, discuss challenges, and develop common strategies for implementation. This shared learning experience builds a supportive community and enhances understanding through diverse perspectives, with opportunities to practice SRSD techniques and give and receive immediate feedback.
Whether you choose to study independently or in a group, the SRSD Online course equips you with the tools to significantly enhance your students’ writing and learning skills through structured, evidence-based strategies.
When can I start teaching SRSD?
Best practice is for teachers to complete the entire course before implementing SRSD in the classroom. Built-in practice and exemplar videos provide teachers with a comprehensive understanding of the full SRSD approach. However, we understand the need for flexibility, so at a minimum teachers should complete through stage 3 before beginning instruction. Each remaining stage should be completed before related classroom instruction.
How much time do I need for weekly implementation?
SRSD is flexible. We recommend three 30-45 minute teaching sessions per week.
SRSD is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into various teaching settings and curricula. Whether implemented as a standalone program or embedded within your existing curriculum, SRSD can be adapted to meet the specific needs and schedules of your classroom. While there are no strict time requirements, we recommend incorporating SRSD into your regular teaching routine three times a week, with each session lasting about 30-45 minutes.
Kindergarten through second-grade teachers should use their professional judgment in length of SRSD teaching sessions to maintain student engagement.
Can SRSD be my writing curriculum?
SRSD fills gaps in existing writing instruction but is not a complete curriculum on its own.
SRSD is an approach to teach students strategies to compose. This piece is often missing from curricula. Teachers also report feeling unprepared and lack self-efficacy to teach writing. While elements of skills such as transcription and grammar are embedded in the composition process, they are not the focus of SRSD instruction. SRSD intentionally narrows the focus in an effort to minimize the cognitive load of the very demanding task of composition.
How does SRSD align with my current curriculum (CKLA, HMH, Wonders, etc.)?
Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) seamlessly aligns with existing curricula such as Amplify (CKLA – Core Knowledge Language Arts), HMH (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), Wonders (McGraw-Hill), and Bookworms (Open Up Resources). This alignment is possible due to SRSD’s adaptable framework, which enhances students’ writing skills through explicit strategy instruction and self-regulation techniques.
Note: Our team will collaborate with you to customize SRSD’s integration into your curriculum and writing instruction.
Here’s how SRSD can complement your existing curricula:
Explicit genre-based instruction
Many writing curricula involve writing assignments and instruction in transcription skills. SRSD fills the gaps in instruction by providing an approach to teach students how to effectively compose in each of the three genres. This piece is often missing from ELA curricula.
Strategy Integration
SRSD offers specific strategies for planning, writing, revising, and managing the writing process.
Supporting Diverse Learning Needs
SRSD is effective for a wide range of students, including those with learning disabilities, emotional, behavioral, and attention disorders, as well as English Learners and general education students who struggle with writing. This adaptability makes SRSD a valuable addition to any curriculum, supporting diverse learning needs and ensuring that all students improve their writing abilities.
Does SRSD writing help with reading?
Yes.
Reading and writing are deeply interconnected, reciprocal skills. Multiple studies show that instruction in one improves the other. Reading exposes students to diverse exemplar texts, vocabulary, and text structures, enriching their language and comprehension abilities. This exposure not only broadens their understanding of different texts but also provides valuable models for effective writing.
Conversely, writing deepens understanding by encouraging critical thinking about language and structure. Engaging in writing can improve vocabulary retention and reading comprehension. Together, regular practice in both reading and writing strengthens overall literacy, making each activity a powerful tool for learning and skill development.
Who can take on the role of Instructional Coach?
An experienced teacher and leader.
It is ideal to have an onsite instructional coach or literacy leader take the role of facilitator so they can observe, provide feedback, and customize their support. However, veteran teachers and educational leaders have successfully served as facilitators in schoolwide implementation of SRSD.
Can content area teachers use SRSD as well?
Yes.
SRSD writing instruction can be used in the content areas to support learning. For example, in math, SRSD helps students articulate their problem-solving processes, improving their understanding and ability to tackle complex equations. In social studies, it supports the development of well-argued essays and analyses, enabling students to engage more deeply with historical events and societal issues. By fostering a systematic approach to thinking and expressing ideas, SRSD not only enhances writing skills but also deepens students’ comprehension and engagement across the curriculum.
Does SRSD work for students who receive special education support or have diverse academic needs?
Yes.
SRSD was initially developed more than 40 years ago to support students with special education needs. Since then, educational researchers have demonstrated its effectiveness with a wide range of students including those with learning disabilities, emotional, behavioral, and attention disorders, as well as English Learners and general education students who struggle with writing.
Does SRSD teach grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure?
Although SRSD does not specifically teach surface level skills such as spelling or punctuation, it can indirectly enhance these skills through explicit modeling. By focusing on the processes of planning, drafting, revising, and editing, SRSD encourages students to engage more deeply with their text and develop a metacognitive awareness that prompts them to check their writing for accuracy and clarity. This approach is compatible with other instructional strategies, allowing teachers to integrate targeted grammar and punctuation into the revision and editing lessons.
Does SRSD align with our state standards and the common core?
Absolutely.
SRSD Online has developed a professional learning program and lesson plans that align with state standards and the Common Core. Our program is designed to create classrooms of students who can communicate effectively, think critically, excel in standardized assessments, and be well-prepared for college and career readiness. Our program includes the following elements required by the Common Core and state standards:
Text Types and Purposes:
SRSD teaches students to master writing in various genres, including narrative, informative/explanatory, and argumentative texts. Each genre requires distinct approaches to structure, content, and style.
Production and Distribution of Writing:
SRSD emphasizes the writing process, including planning, revising, editing, and rewriting. Students learn to produce and publish their work and collaborate with peers throughout the process.
Research to Build and Present Knowledge:
SRSD equips students with the skills to conduct research, gather and integrate information from various sources, and present their findings. This includes critically evaluating sources, synthesizing material, and properly citing to avoid plagiarism.
Range of Writing:
SRSD prepares students to write in various contexts and disciplines, catering to different purposes and audiences. This standard encourages frequent writing, supporting both long-term projects and shorter, time-limited tasks.
Opinion/Persuasive/Argumentative Writing:
SRSD teaches younger students to share and support their opinions. Older students learn to write compelling arguments that support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence, while also addressing counterarguments. This type of writing fosters critical thinking and analytical skills.
Informative/Explanatory Writing:
SRSD teaches students to write pieces that convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately, focusing on effective content selection, organization, and analysis.
Narrative Writing:
SRSD also emphasizes the ability to write narratives that develop real or imagined experiences or events, requiring effective techniques, descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
Our SRSD Online course is designed to be completed at your own pace, typically requiring about 6 to 8 hours. This flexible format allows you to engage with the material whenever it fits your schedule, making it easy to integrate learning into your busy routine.
It’s your choice!
Teachers can take our SRSD Online course either independently or as part of a group, with each approach offering unique advantages. And in both cases you will always have our online help desk to get you to the finish line.
Independent Learning:
For those who prefer to learn on their own, our SRSD Online course provides the flexibility to progress at your own pace. This allows you to reflect deeply on how SRSD can be tailored to fit your teaching style and meet the specific needs of your classroom.
Group Learning:
Alternatively, taking the course as part of a group nurtures a collaborative environment where teachers can share insights, discuss challenges, and develop common strategies for implementation. This shared learning experience builds a supportive community and enhances understanding through diverse perspectives, with opportunities to practice SRSD techniques and give and receive immediate feedback.
Whether you choose to study independently or in a group, the SRSD Online course equips you with the tools to significantly enhance your students’ writing and learning skills through structured, evidence-based strategies.
Best practice is for teachers to complete the entire course before implementing SRSD in the classroom. Built-in practice and exemplar videos provide teachers with a comprehensive understanding of the full SRSD approach. However, we understand the need for flexibility, so at a minimum teachers should complete through stage 3 before beginning instruction. Each remaining stage should be completed before related classroom instruction.
SRSD is flexible. We recommend three 30-45 minute teaching sessions per week.
SRSD is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into various teaching settings and curricula. Whether implemented as a standalone program or embedded within your existing curriculum, SRSD can be adapted to meet the specific needs and schedules of your classroom. While there are no strict time requirements, we recommend incorporating SRSD into your regular teaching routine three times a week, with each session lasting about 30-45 minutes.
Kindergarten through second-grade teachers should use their professional judgment in length of SRSD teaching sessions to maintain student engagement.
SRSD fills gaps in existing writing instruction but is not a complete curriculum on its own.
SRSD is an approach to teach students strategies to compose. This piece is often missing from curricula. Teachers also report feeling unprepared and lack self-efficacy to teach writing. While elements of skills such as transcription and grammar are embedded in the composition process, they are not the focus of SRSD instruction. SRSD intentionally narrows the focus in an effort to minimize the cognitive load of the very demanding task of composition.
Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) seamlessly aligns with existing curricula such as Amplify (CKLA – Core Knowledge Language Arts), HMH (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), Wonders (McGraw-Hill), and Bookworms (Open Up Resources). This alignment is possible due to SRSD’s adaptable framework, which enhances students’ writing skills through explicit strategy instruction and self-regulation techniques.
Note: Our team will collaborate with you to customize SRSD’s integration into your curriculum and writing instruction.
Here’s how SRSD can complement your existing curricula:
Explicit genre-based instruction
Many writing curricula involve writing assignments and instruction in transcription skills. SRSD fills the gaps in instruction by providing an approach to teach students how to effectively compose in each of the three genres. This piece is often missing from ELA curricula.
Strategy Integration
SRSD offers specific strategies for planning, writing, revising, and managing the writing process.
Supporting Diverse Learning Needs
SRSD is effective for a wide range of students, including those with learning disabilities, emotional, behavioral, and attention disorders, as well as English Learners and general education students who struggle with writing. This adaptability makes SRSD a valuable addition to any curriculum, supporting diverse learning needs and ensuring that all students improve their writing abilities.
Yes.
Reading and writing are deeply interconnected, reciprocal skills. Multiple studies show that instruction in one improves the other. Reading exposes students to diverse exemplar texts, vocabulary, and text structures, enriching their language and comprehension abilities. This exposure not only broadens their understanding of different texts but also provides valuable models for effective writing.
Conversely, writing deepens understanding by encouraging critical thinking about language and structure. Engaging in writing can improve vocabulary retention and reading comprehension. Together, regular practice in both reading and writing strengthens overall literacy, making each activity a powerful tool for learning and skill development.
An experienced teacher and leader.
It is ideal to have an onsite instructional coach or literacy leader take the role of facilitator so they can observe, provide feedback, and customize their support. However, veteran teachers and educational leaders have successfully served as facilitators in schoolwide implementation of SRSD.
Yes.
SRSD writing instruction can be used in the content areas to support learning. For example, in math, SRSD helps students articulate their problem-solving processes, improving their understanding and ability to tackle complex equations. In social studies, it supports the development of well-argued essays and analyses, enabling students to engage more deeply with historical events and societal issues. By fostering a systematic approach to thinking and expressing ideas, SRSD not only enhances writing skills but also deepens students’ comprehension and engagement across the curriculum.
Yes.
SRSD was initially developed more than 40 years ago to support students with special education needs. Since then, educational researchers have demonstrated its effectiveness with a wide range of students including those with learning disabilities, emotional, behavioral, and attention disorders, as well as English Learners and general education students who struggle with writing.
Although SRSD does not specifically teach surface level skills such as spelling or punctuation, it can indirectly enhance these skills through explicit modeling. By focusing on the processes of planning, drafting, revising, and editing, SRSD encourages students to engage more deeply with their text and develop a metacognitive awareness that prompts them to check their writing for accuracy and clarity. This approach is compatible with other instructional strategies, allowing teachers to integrate targeted grammar and punctuation into the revision and editing lessons.
Absolutely.
SRSD Online has developed a professional learning program and lesson plans that align with state standards and the Common Core. Our program is designed to create classrooms of students who can communicate effectively, think critically, excel in standardized assessments, and be well-prepared for college and career readiness. Our program includes the following elements required by the Common Core and state standards:
Text Types and Purposes:
SRSD teaches students to master writing in various genres, including narrative, informative/explanatory, and argumentative texts. Each genre requires distinct approaches to structure, content, and style.
Production and Distribution of Writing:
SRSD emphasizes the writing process, including planning, revising, editing, and rewriting. Students learn to produce and publish their work and collaborate with peers throughout the process.
Research to Build and Present Knowledge:
SRSD equips students with the skills to conduct research, gather and integrate information from various sources, and present their findings. This includes critically evaluating sources, synthesizing material, and properly citing to avoid plagiarism.
Range of Writing:
SRSD prepares students to write in various contexts and disciplines, catering to different purposes and audiences. This standard encourages frequent writing, supporting both long-term projects and shorter, time-limited tasks.
Opinion/Persuasive/Argumentative Writing:
SRSD teaches younger students to share and support their opinions. Older students learn to write compelling arguments that support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence, while also addressing counterarguments. This type of writing fosters critical thinking and analytical skills.
Informative/Explanatory Writing:
SRSD teaches students to write pieces that convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately, focusing on effective content selection, organization, and analysis.
Narrative Writing:
SRSD also emphasizes the ability to write narratives that develop real or imagined experiences or events, requiring effective techniques, descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
