Creating a Classroom Vision for Teaching Writing

If children are to receive the writing instruction they need and deserve, it is essential that teachers develop a coherent and well-constructed vision for teaching writing. This article provides an example of how such a vision can be created. It is based on three assumptions. One, developing a vision for teaching writing should be guided by theory. This provides a framework for thinking about how writing instruction should proceed. Two, visions for teaching writing should be informed by the best scientific evidence available. This increases the likelihood that the resulting vision is an effective plan. Three, theory and evidence-based writing practices are necessary but not sufficient for developing classroom visions for teaching writing. Teachers need to bring their own knowledge, gained through experience, to this process. Collectively, these three ingredients make it possible for teachers to make informed, judicious, and intelligent decisions when constructing a vision for teaching writing.