Based on recent findings in writing research, this document offers the following recommendations on how teachers can improve the writing skills of their students: (1) spend time on activities that require real writing rather than short answers and fill-in-the-blank exercises; (2) have students spend more time putting their thoughts on paper in a logical, well-organized manner; (3) include research and brainstorming as part of writing assignments; (4) make writing assignments that are meaningful to the students; (5) stress the importance of drafts to the students; (6) respond to the ideas, not only the grammar and punctuation, in students' writings; (7) allow students to choose their own topics; (8) take advantage of writing skills that students use outside the classroom to help teach them in the classroom; (9) reward students who write clearly and concisely; and (10) use writing assignments to help students see that writing can help them in the real world. In addition, the document points out that writing is important because it is functional, stimulating, and therapeutic. (JD)