ESSA Evidence-Based Rating
Simplify Writing® meets federal evidence standards for
improving student writing outcomes.
The science behind the program
Evidence-Based Strategies
The Simplify Writing® Program was built using research-based
strategies and tested in real classrooms.
Strategy #1
Dedicated Writing Time
Although applying writing skills naturally happens in other subject areas, studies support having a dedicated writing time where students can receive adequate practice and instruction in writing.
Graham, S. (2019). Changing How Writing Is Taught. Review of Research in Education, 43(1), 277–303.
Strategy #2
Strategy-Focused Direct Instruction
Strategy-focused instruction is one of the most effective approaches to improve writing skills. It teaches developing writers strategies that give them executive control over their writing processes through direct instruction, modeling, and scaffolded practice.
Lopez, P. (2017). Effects of Direct Instruction and Strategy Modeling on Upper-Primary Students' Writing Development. Frontiers Psychology.
Strategy #3
Teacher Modeling & Exemplar Usage
We provide age-appropriate model texts for every unit that reflect the elements of the writing genre students should replicate. Research shows students in the Models group received significantly higher scores than students without models.
Charney, D., & Carlson, R. (1995). Learning to write in a genre. Research in the Teaching of English, 29, 88–125.
Strategy #4
Teacher Clarity
Teacher clarity goes beyond simply writing standards on the board. We provide clear purpose, success criteria, and learning goals for every lesson — a logical pathway from where students are to where we want them to be.
Hattie, J. (2010). Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to achievement. Routledge.
Strategy #5
Graphic Organizers
Graphic organizers provide a necessary visual element for ELL and visual learners. Students using a concept- mapping learning strategy do better and retain learning longer than those limited to text-only strategies.
Kansızoğlu, H. (2017). The Effect of Graphic Organizers on Language Teaching and Learning Areas: A Meta-Analysis Study. TED EĞİTİM VE BİLİM, 42.
Strategy #6
Consistent & Timely Feedback
Feedback is the cornerstone of revision. Alongside peer and teacher feedback strategies, we include many self-assessment opportunities built around the principle that "where to next" comments are necessary for student improvement.
Hattie, J. A., & Clarke, S. (2019). Visible learning: Feedback. Routledge.
Read Our Case Studies
Featured · Johns Hopkins
Evaluation of Simplify Writing in St. John Nepomucene School: A Case Study
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Case Study · Grade 8
Eighth Grade ELA Teacher Boosts Student Writing and Grammar Proficiency
Read more
Case Study · Grade 6
A Sixth Grade Class Goes From Struggling to Outperforming Their Peers
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Case Study · Elementary
Success Across Elementary Grade Levels, Including ESL and GTE Students
Read more
Case Study · Elementary
Success Across Elementary Grade Levels, Including ESL and GTE Students
Read more
Case Study · Elementary
Success Across Elementary Grade Levels, Including ESL and GTE Students
Read more
Case Study · Elementary
Success Across Elementary Grade Levels, Including ESL and GTE Students
Read more
Case Study · Elementary
Success Across Elementary Grade Levels, Including ESL and GTE Students
Read more
Case Study · Elementary
Success Across Elementary Grade Levels, Including ESL and GTE Students
Read more
Case Study · Elementary
Success Across Elementary Grade Levels, Including ESL and GTE Students
Read more
See the difference
Our Program is Built For Differentiation.
Download curriculum samples for grades K-12.
Access Curriculum Samples
