Research on effective writing programs suggests that writing be taught in the context of a program that allows students to grow, learn, try, and try again, as they become proficient at the task of communicating. Three categories of behaviors facilitate this process: (1) teacher characteristics such as patience, understanding, interest, and high personal standards; (2) an environment that is supporting, flexible, and organized to provide a sense of community; and (3) learning opportunities which are varied, interesting, and relevant. Examples of these characteristics can be found in classrooms in the United Kingdom. The example of schools in the United Kingdom demonstrates that schools can and do integrate language arts, and in so doing, produce scholars who are highly literate, well-read, productive members of society. (A table listing characteristics of effective writing programs is included; 24 references are attached.) (RS)