Science of Writing Implementation
For two decades, the team at Releasing Writers (formerly think SRSD) has been supporting schools, districts, regions and full states with taking on, using, refining and sustaining evidence-based practices for teaching writing. Schools working with us see an average gain of 7% on state assessment ELA proficiency.
ELA Proficiency Gain Outcomes from thinkSRSD Partner Schools
Yet, more importantly – we see confident students who love to write.
Triple POWeR Cycle: Embed the Science of Writing in Your School
We all know ‘drive-by’ PD does not take hold and last, even with the most evidence-based approaches. Grounded in evidence-based practices from Implementation Science, our proven Triple POWeR Cycle offers you system-wide wrap around support.
Releasing Writers leverages proven Implementation Science models to ease uptake
Implementation that is Light-Lift High-Yield
Whenever schools take on a new instructional initiative, there is a learning curve. Typically, educators begin with excitement and optimism that the initiative will solve a real problem. Teachers jump in, eager to try new tools and approaches.
However, no matter how clear or powerful the work is, barriers inevitably arise. Every classroom is different. Every group of students is different. What works next door may not work down the hall.
This is why Science of Writing implementation cannot rely on one-time professional development alone. Sustainable change requires a nested, role-specific support system built in from Day 1.
At Releasing Writers, we call this structure the Triple Power Cycles—a wraparound, layered implementation model that supports instruction, coaching, and leadership simultaneously.
The Triple Power Cycles: Nested Support at Every Level
Our Triple Power Cycles model provides coordinated support at three interconnected levels:
- Teachers, through initial and ongoing professional learning
- Coaches, through structured support for the coaching role itself
- School and district leaders, through systems-level implementation support
Each cycle reinforces the others, creating coherence across the system.
Science of Writing Implementation Made Easier
Implementation Science
All tools, supports, and structures within the Triple Power Cycles are grounded in implementation science and the evidence base behind effective writing instruction. These approaches have been used in prior studies of writing instruction and have been shown to lead to meaningful gains.
The Triple Power Cycles model reflects what research—and experience—show is required to successfully implement the science of writing: layered support, role clarity, and sustained guidance over time.
POWeR Cycle — Introduce Releasing Writers
At the center of the model is the initial learning: the POWeR Cycles used in classrooms to strengthen writing instruction.
Schools have widely varying amounts of time available for professional development. Some are able to bring our team in for full-school or district-wide PD. Others have more limited time and choose an initial launch followed by return visits during faculty meetings or in-service half days. Still others select a train-the-trainer approach.
Coaching Cycles — Support the Coaches
The day after professional learning matters.
Teachers often leave PD feeling energized, but that energy quickly shifts into problem-solving as challenges arise. This is where coaching becomes essential. Support may come from a teacher-leader, a formal instructional coach, an administrator, or another designated staff member. In the Triple Power Cycles model, coaches are not left to figure this out on their own.
Leadership Support Cycles — Sustainment
The third cycle supports school and district leadership.
Principals and central administrators face unique challenges. To support their role, we provide leadership tools that include implementation surveys after the launch and again midyear. In our monthly network meetings, leaders take part in hands-on activities. They learn how to lead walk-throughs and give targeted feedback or how to analyze student data to help teachers with next steps.
Flexible PD 'Train-the-Trainer' Options
Flexible PD options include having a coach, aspiring teacher-leader or assistant principal participate in our open live courses or our eLearning. Teachers then complete the eLearning as well, with the coach supporting them as they learn and get started.
The initial professional learning includes approximately 10–15 hours, delivered either live over two to three days or through structured eLearning. This phase focuses on introducing the instructional core of the science of writing and preparing teachers to implement it in their own classrooms.
Following the launch, we offer customized ongoing support, including:
- lesson planning
- curriculum integration
- student writing scoring
- data analysis to inform instruction
This ensures that science of writing implementation moves beyond theory or research-study models into day-to-day classroom practice.
Coaches Network Monthly Meetings
We offer monthly job-alike meetings with those serving in coaching roles through our Releasing Writers Network meetings. During these sessions, we:
- guide coaches in what to expect month by month, year by year
- provide tools and activities that teachers have not yet learned, which coaches then pass on strategically
For example, we teach coaches how to run a full coaching cycle, provide tools for observation and feedback, and share resources from schools using similar HQIM curricula.
Coaches also receive unlimited mentoring. Importantly, all mentors at Releasing Writers are experienced school practitioners who have implemented this approach in real schools and seen significant ELA proficiency gains, including growth in writing and overall ELA performance.
This layer is key to science of writing implementation: supporting the people who support teachers
Principals and Administrators Network
We also support principals in learning how to conduct instructional learning walks and evaluate key implementation indicators to determine whether the core elements of the science of writing are being enacted consistently.
To bridge the work of coaches and leaders, we provide research-based coaching log tools, supported by AI. These tools help leaders and coaches track barriers and facilitators to implementation and use AI as a collaboration and problem-solving tool, not as a replacement for professional judgment.
As with coaches, leaders receive unlimited mentoring from principals and system leaders who have led successful implementations and seen ELA gains.
What Educators and Students Say
★★★★★
“Year after year we saw not only state assessment steady increases, but happier and more confident students”
Robert Mitchell, Superintendent Cumberland Public Schools, RI
★★★★★
“thinkSRSD has been a total game changer! Our partnership with thinkSRSD team members, Dr. Leslie Laud and Amy Thomas, has been absolutely invaluable.”
Molly Almond, Curriculum Lead, Galveston TX
★★★★★
“We have been using thinkSRSD in our elementary schools for the past four years, and the growth we’ve seen has been incredible! ”
Amanda MacDonald, ELA Lead, Bradley TN
Additional Resources
Comprehensive Guide to Releasing Writers
Read about the Releasing Writers (formerly think SRSD) approach and gains here.
Instructional Videos
Scroll down on this page to hear from real teachers who saw significant outcomes in ELA proficiency growth.
Educator Workshops
Bring the full science of writing to your classroom with our comprehensive framework.
Student Success Stories
Hear inspiring stories from teachers – and students who have excelled using these evidence-based writing approaches.
Research Articles
Access free peer-reviewed academic papers that show the effectiveness of releasing writers
FREE Starter Kit
Enjoy a starter kit with step by step directions to get started, and materials created by Dr. Leslie Laud
Community Forum
Join discussions with educators and experts to share experiences and learn new tips.
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about the releasing writers framework at our blog
Release Your Students' Writing Potential
Ready to transform your writing skills? Join our live events to begin bringing Releasing Writers to your students today.