From standards identification and translation to assessment, Glass leads the reader step-by-step through the writing process and the development of an effective standards-based writing curriculum. Using Glass' method, standards act as a solid foundation or framework, and teachers are encouraged to build as creatively upon that foundation as possible - designing lessons and units that are innovative, engaging, and which still produce measurable gains. Her four part process is as follows:

1. Identification of content-standards for writing: What do I want my students to know and be able to do?

2. Creating a teacher rubric with a clear set of criteria for writing assessment: What are the key criteria for achieving these standards and assessing students?

3. Crafting a student checklist to guide students through the unit and self-assess: What do students need to know and learn as they progress through the unit and how will they be assessed?

4. Designing lessons to achieve standards: How do I help my students meet the criteria?

The numerous strategies, examples and photocopiables focus on writing at the primary level, but are easily adapted for use by secondary teachers of science and social studies.