One crucial step in elevating the status of writing instruction and its associated research is
to identify what we know and where we need to invest further effort for the field to flourish and
draw the attention it deserves from various stakeholders. To that end, I summarize research
findings in four areas: characteristics of struggling writers’ products and processes, essential
instructional content and processes, assessment, and teachers’ practices and professional
development. These areas are not mutually exclusive; for example, the attributes of students with
writing problems clearly informs instructional design and teaching practices, just as assessment
determines who is a struggling writer and what they should be taught. Finally, I give my
recommendations for future inquiry intended to propel the field of writing instruction forward by
providing traction to critical issues facing researchers and practitioners.