Writing by Design / Grading by Design

Consistent, Research-Based Lesson Design – All lessons at every grade level follow the design of Madeline Hunter’s researched methodology of effective instruction.

Online Professional Development – Time-saving program orientation.  Certificates issued to teachers/administrators upon completion.

Demonstration Lesson Videos – Authentic lessons in all grade levels (TK-8th grade).

Six Traits of Writing – Embedded in all lessons, K-8, and supported by years of scientific studies on classroom practices and student writing proficiency (REL Northwest, Education Northwest)

Scaffolded Design – The program was developed using a research-based backward curriculum design model with each year’s instruction building on prior-year student learning. This results in year-to-year increases in student proficiency, consistency throughout the grades with instructional practice, and increased teacher comfort level with program implementation.

Model Papers – Demonstration of the step-by-step revision process.

Assessment Tools – Class profile spreadsheets; teaching and scoring rubrics.

Writing Prompts / Formal Assessments – Eliminates the need for teacher or district-created tools.

Curriculum for Handwriting Instruction– An additional teaching manual is dedicated to handwriting instruction/beginning sentence formation at the Kindergarten level. This can also be a resource for students with special needs.

Strategies for Differentiated Instruction and English Learner Support 

Picture Book References and Resources – Differentiated by grade level, they provide students with models of Six Traits, CCSS strands of writing, and writing genres.

Six Traits and Genre Instructional Charts – Additional tools to support lesson delivery ensuring alignment of instruction to instructional goals/CCSS standards.

Online Resources – Reproducible teaching tools for time-saving lesson preparation. (Additional tools are under development and will be made available at no additional cost.)

Spelling – Explicit grade level “No Excuse Spelling” protocols ensure correct spelling of high frequency words.

Academic Vocabulary – Referenced in the Glossary of teaching manuals, this ensures a rigorous and consistent approach to writing instruction.

Optional Consulting and Coaching Days – Certified Writing By Design© coaches available for targeted professional development.  

Spanish-Translated Materials – Spanish versions of the Six Traits posters and CCSS Genre charts.