Essential Academic Learning Requirements in Writing.

Requiring and supporting the development of thinking skills, this paper presents Washington State's Essential Academic Learning Requirements for writing. It sees writing as an act of discovery, of communication, of joy, and as an essential part of a literate society. Four charts outline standards and benchmarks regarding: (1) writing clearly and effectively; (2) writing in a variety of forms for different audiences and purposes; (3) understanding and using the steps of writing process; and (4) analyzing and evaluating the effectiveness of written work. The four charts are divided into benchmarks for grades 4, 7, and 10. (SC)