Essentials in Writing

The program uses explicit, direct instruction through video lessons with teacher modeling and step-by-step guidance.

Matthew Stephens 'always models the type of writing students are to do' and 'walks students through the steps of the writing process,' providing clear instruction on a whiteboard

The curriculum provides exceptionally strong, systematic writing instruction across all grade levels with extensive composition practice.

The review emphasizes 'advanced' composition instruction with 'manageable increments,' extensive use of graphic organizers, checklists, and rubrics, plus detailed instruction in various essay types and research papers

The curriculum does not systematically build domain knowledge across subjects, focusing instead on writing skills and grammar.

The program covers 'language arts (other than reading and literature)' with emphasis on composition skills development rather than content knowledge building

The curriculum does not include literature study and focuses primarily on writing and grammar instruction.

The review states that 'Essentials in Writing courses cover all requirements for writing and grammar' but students would need separate 'Essentials in Literature courses' for complete language arts coverage

The curriculum focuses on writing instruction rather than reading complex texts, though writing assignments become increasingly sophisticated.

Higher levels include 'challenging' composition work and 'writing prompts that require higher levels of thinking,' but the program doesn't emphasize reading complex texts

The curriculum provides teacher handbooks and instructional support but limited professional development for writing pedagogy.

Second editions include 'teacher handbook with brief instructions, course syllabus, suggested lesson plan, and answer key' plus 'Alternative Instructional Strategies document' for accommodating learning needs

The curriculum includes some review and reinforcement but limited systematic retrieval practice.

The review mentions 'repetition from year to year' and assessment booklets with evaluations, but no specific mention of spaced review or retrieval practice techniques

The curriculum does not include phonics instruction as it focuses on writing and grammar for students who already read.

The review describes the curriculum as covering 'language arts (other than reading and literature)' with no mention of phonics or decoding instruction

The curriculum includes some vocabulary development through writing instruction but lacks systematic vocabulary building.

The Assessment/Resource Booklet includes 'lists of descriptive adjectives to improve student writing' and the program teaches 'vivid language' and 'figurative language concepts'