Writing--and lots of it in all genres--is at the heart of the language arts curriculum and the skills of critical thinking that students need to develop to become prepared consumers and citizens. In this article, the author reflects on her growth as a writer and teacher, and offers an overview of what people know about writing, what they need to…

Finding voice is often the most intimidating stumbling block to authentic writing in the classroom. Linda Rief offers insight into tapping students' passion and promoting personal responsibility for learning with her "quickwrites," and includes a checklist of ways to elicit writing that matters.