Step Up to Writing

Step Up to Writing Research-Based Writing Instruction

Compatible With Any Core Curriculum

Grades K–12

Writing Instruction That Adapts to Every Student’s Needs

Step Up to Writing® is a comprehensive program of multisensory writing strategies that develop students’ ability to create thoughtful, well-written compositions. The solution’s explicit and systematic approach to teaching writing is designed to provide clear strategies, methods, and supports for increased writing success in all content areas. Created for all students, the strategies can be integrated into any curriculum or implemented as a standalone writing solution.


 Download Overview

Happy Student Writing at Desk

Propel Students Forward with Explicit Instruction

Step Up to Writing instructional strategies help students understand the importance of each step in the writing process. Beginning writers explicitly learn and practice each phase of the process. Common expectations and language for writing across every grade level builds confidence as students grow into more advanced writers and the process becomes fluid and automatic. This writing program provides:

  • Multimodal instruction/differentiation
  • Flexible implementation options
  • Support for writing instruction across all content areas
  • A full body of proven writing strategies

The Power of Step Up to Writing

Rocket lifting off

Four grade bands (K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12) targeting writing strategies to age levels as well as subject-area learning in specific grades.

Pencil Icon

Focus on the specific text types emphasized in state standards: informative/explanatory, opinion/argument, and narrative writing.

Group reading together

Emphasis on using technology for research and to produce and publish work.

Unit Map Notebook

Grade-level specific Unit Maps provide a sequence of instructional strategies as they help students improve writing skills.

School

Realistic strategies for differentiation to ensure instruction will meet individual student needs.

Teacher in a classroom

Explicit focus on supporting students in producing organized, clear, and coherent writing.

Support the Individuality of Each and Every Learner

One size fits all never works. With this in mind, Step Up to Writing provides variation and differentiation based on each student’s needs throughout hundreds of strategies, across all four grade bands. Optional “Craft and Style” callouts within the strategies teach the three major text types while also providing opportunities for additional depth and richness.

Elementary writing

Step Up to Writing provides the specialized instruction to meet the needs of diverse student groups.

General Education

  • Strategies boost student writing to the next level
  • Solid structure across the types of writing assignments
  • Revision guidance
  • Consistent strategies and multiple opportunities for practice

Gifted & Talented

  • Focus on organizing information strategically to increase written impact
  • Writers learn to effectively articulate complex thoughts and content
  • Students perceive shades of meaning within words

English Language Learners

  • Oral language development is encouraged
  • Students develop an academic vocabulary
  • Students stay actively involved
  • Emphasis on relating and organizing information

At Risk & Special Education

  • Strategies make abstract concepts concrete
  • Guidance for better reading comprehension
  • Use of multisensory approaches
  • Confidence is built incrementally
  • Organization and planning skills are emphasized

Step Up to Writing Customer Success

We are committed to a long-term partnership with every district that implements our solutions. Districts can choose from a menu of training and support options including in-person or online. Visit our Customer Success page to learn more.

More Information

SUTW - Girl writing in classroom

Featured Step Up to Writing Resources

Students writing at a table

Brochure: How Step Up to Writing Aligns to the Science of Reading

Although reading and writing instruction are usually taught separately, they are both informed by the science of reading and reinforce each other throughout literacy development. Just as teaching students how to read requires explicit and systematic instruction, the same is true of writing instruction. In fact, writing is one of the most effective ways to improve reading proficiency.

Download Now

Girl writing on worksheet

Podcast: How Handwriting Supports the Science of Reading

While assistive technology can help students with writing problems, it does not remove the importance of teaching explicit handwriting. Handwriting reinforces reading and spelling skills, and is linked to reading and spelling achievement. In this insightful podcast, you will learn how handwriting supports the science of reading and strategies educators can use immediately in the classroom to build handwriting into their daily lessons.

Listen Here

Students writing at desks

White Paper: Connecting Handwriting to the Science of Reading

Handwriting is back in the curriculum after a long absence. Educators now understand teaching handwriting explicitly is firmly linked to reading and spelling achievement. Although it never disappeared totally, it was de-emphasized in most districts. But it’s now clear handwriting plays a critical role in literacy and is making a comeback.

Download Now