Why Writing Matters

Writing is a critical skill that influences all aspects of life, from education to professional success. SRSD is evidence-based writing instruction that empowers students to express their ideas clearly, think critically, and achieve academic and personal goals.

“Writing is how we make society deal with our ideas, get into college, get a job, seek justice, and insist that we are represented. Writing matters.”

Dr. Debra McKeown

SRSD Researcher

Why Evidence-Based Writing Implementation Matters

SRSD studies such as “Improving the Writing, Knowledge” (2006), “Motivation of Struggling Young Writers: Effects of Self-regulated Strategy Development” (2005), and “Powerful Writing Strategies for All Students” (2008) highlight effective methods for enhancing writing instruction which SRSD provides, which include:

Explicit instruction on writing strategies and processes
Regular opportunities for writing practice
Feedback that guides improvement
Integration of writing across various subjects

Report: “Writing: Importance, Development, and Instruction”

Debra McKeown and Steve Graham have co-authored this study, highlighting the importance of writing in educational contexts, examining writing’s development, and providing practical guidance for teaching it effectively. It emphasizes strategic interventions like SRSD to improve students’ writing skills, critical thinking, and self-confidence, thereby advancing the broader goal of developing proficient writers.

Educators Should Care Why SRSD Writing Matters

Dr. Karen Harris tells us why educators should care about SRSD student outcomes.

“Good writing matters because it empowers students to express their ideas clearly and succeed academically. For teachers, effective writing instruction is essential as it transforms their ability to guide students in developing critical thinking and communication skills.”

Dr. Karen Harris

SRSD Creator

Writing Matters

Addressing the Challenges Facing K-12 Students in the U.S.

Writing proficiency is crucial for student success, yet many face obstacles due to varying instructional approaches and systemic challenges.

Writing Anxiety

Many students exhibit writing anxiety due to negative past experiences, lack of confidence, and fear of making mistakes. This leads to a reluctance to engage in writing tasks and contributes to poor writing development.

Standardized Testing

High-stakes testing environments often lead to a formulaic approach to writing instruction, focusing on narrow, test-oriented formats rather than comprehensive, authentic writing experiences.

Socioeconomic Disparities

Writing is a powerful tool for students facing socioeconomic disparities, as it enables them to express their ideas, advocate for themselves, and engage with the world around them. Mastering writing skills can open doors to academic and career opportunities, helping to bridge gaps and empower students to overcome challenges associated with limited resources.

Teacher Preparedness

Many teachers feel underprepared to teach writing. They may not have received specific training in writing instruction during their teacher education programs, limiting their ability to support student growth effectively.

Writing Across the Curriculum

Research shows that students often need help to write well because writing is not consistently emphasized across the curriculum. Some educators focus heavily on reading and math due to standardized testing pressures, leading to less instructional time for writing.

Technology Impact

The rise of digital communication has introduced new challenges. While students write more frequently on digital platforms, the informal nature of this writing does not necessarily translate into improved academic writing. There is a gap between students’ writing for personal communication and the writing expected in academic settings.

Writing Proficiency Challenges Insights from NAEP Data

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Report

This report discusses the challenges students face in achieving proficiency in writing, as measured by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The report notes trends in writing achievement, highlighting how less than one in four high school seniors demonstrate proficient writing skills and how the standards used to assess these skills have evolved.

Go to Report

Our Nation Is Not Producing Proficient Writers

SRSD tackles the critical writing challenges revealed by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) by enabling educators to implement explicit writing strategies that empower students to refine their work systematically.

“Only 27% of 8th and 12th graders were proficient in writing, revealing a significant gap in writing proficiency among students nationwide.”

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

This structured framework reduces writing anxiety, builds confidence through clear guidance, achievable goals, and personalized feedback, and provides a consistent structure that can be applied across different subjects. By emphasizing the higher-order skills of planning, drafting, revising, and self-evaluating, SRSD helps students become more independent writers.

1998–2007: Writing Achievement of 4th, 8th, and 12th Graders

This chart tracks the writing proficiency levels of students in fourth, eighth, and twelfth grades from 1998 to 2007, categorizing them into four levels:

Below Basic Basic Proficient Advanced

From 1998 to 2007, the data reveals that a significant portion of students consistently fell into the Below Basic and Basic categories, indicating a widespread struggle with writing proficiency. While there are slight fluctuations in performance across the years, the overall trends suggest that many students are not reaching the Proficient or Advanced levels. These findings emphasize the ongoing challenge of improving writing skills among students and highlight the need for targeted interventions by educators and policymakers.

2011: Writing Achievement of 8th and 12th Graders

This chart compares the writing proficiency of eighth and twelfth graders in 2011, highlighting that the majority of students in both grades performed at the Basic or Below Basic levels. Only a small percentage of students reached the Proficient or Advanced levels, indicating that many students struggled with writing skills at these critical educational stages.

Writing is a critical skill shaping educational and professional success, making effective instruction essential. Self-Regulated Strategy Development provides an evidence-based framework that empowers students to enhance their writing abilities and supports teachers in delivering impactful instruction. By addressing the significant challenges in writing proficiency, SRSD plays a crucial role in nurturing skilled, confident writers and learners prepared for academic and life success.

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We know there's a lot to consider, and we're here to make it easier. Contact us today to get your questions answered or to schedule a no-obligation Zoom session at a time that works for you. Our courses and group training programs are fiscally responsible, adding to your school’s credibility and enhancing student achievement.