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A Writing Solution for California

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Engage All K–12 California Students and Meet State Standards

The science of reading recognizes the importance of including both writing and reading in literacy intervention and development. They reinforce each other. Students succeed when they receive explicit, systematic instruction in writing that complements their reading development. Step Up to Writing® provides exactly that, focused strategies for the three types of writing emphasized in California state standards:

  • Informative/explanatory
  • Opinion/argument
  • Narrative writing

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About Step Up to Writing

Step Up to Writing is a comprehensive program of multisensory writing strategies that develop students’ ability to create thoughtful, well-written compositions. Because one size doesn’t fit all, it offers specialized instruction and differentiation for diverse learners, including additional support or enrichment. With hundreds of strategies spanning all grade bands, Step Up to Writing supports students at every stage:

  • K–2: Building foundational writing skills
  • 3–5: Strengthening structure and clarity
  • 6–8: Developing analytical and expressive writing
  • 9–12: Preparing for college, career, and beyond

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Why California Educators Trust Step Up to Writing

California educators are focused on improving literacy outcomes through structured, evidence-based programs. Step Up to Writing aligns with the California English Language Arts/English Language Development Framework, supporting students in expressing themselves effectively as writers, discussion partners, and presenters.

It’s designed for flexible implementation in diverse classrooms, ensuring all students receive the support they need to succeed in writing, whether in whole-class, small-group, or individual instruction.

Read more about how California literacy teachers rely on Step Up to Writing

Empower your students to write with confidence

See how Step Up to Writing can transform your classroom. Connect with us to explore proven strategies that make instruction easier, engage every student, and help them write with clarity and confidence.

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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.

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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 the science of writing supports the science of reading and strategies educators can use immediately in the classroom to build handwriting into their daily lessons.

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White Paper: Connecting Handwriting to the Science of Reading

Handwriting is back in the writing 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.

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