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5 Writing Essentials of an Effective K–12 Program: The Science of Writing Part 1
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm EST
Presented by Kristina Smekens, President and Lead Consultant, Smekens Education
Moderated by Holly Sluyter, Literacy Consultant, Smekens Education
Sponsored by Smekens Education
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
As districts embrace the Science of Reading, a growing realization is emerging: lasting literacy success must be paired with explicit, evidence-based writing instruction.
Join literacy expert Kristina Smekens for an engaging edWebinar, part one of a three-part series, designed to help K–12 educators strengthen writing instruction and boost student achievement through proven instructional practices. Discover how to apply the Science of Writing to create a cohesive, research-based writing program that prepares students for success in school and beyond.
In this dynamic session, viewers:
- Identify five research-backed components that bring clarity, cohesion, and classroom results to a writing program
- Understand the multifaceted nature of teaching writing—balancing foundational skills, genre writing, and source writing
- Learn how to teach writing explicitly and systematically using the gradual release of responsibility and a clear scope and sequence to ensure consistent student growth
- Gain evidence-based methods to build stronger writers at every grade level—and a clear vision for creating a systematic writing program that delivers real results
- Pinpoint the first priority to tackle so your writing plan gains traction quickly
This recorded edWebinar is of interest to K–12 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.
Register for parts two and three:
Explicit Writing Instruction: Debunking Common Misconceptions: The Science of Writing Part 2
Achieving Systematic Writing Instruction: The Science of Writing Part 3
About the Presenter
Kristina Smekens has built a reputation for using enthusiasm, humor, and common sense to equip K-12 educators with practical, demystifying strategies for teaching reading and writing. As President and Lead Consultant for Smekens Education, she is a leader in developing new strategies to help teachers meet the demands of today’s College- and Career-Ready Standards. She and her associates share those strategies with teachers around the globe through on-site professional development, virtual and in-person seminars, and an always-growing pool of print, digital, and video resources. Kristina has authored more than 50 books, guides, and classroom tools designed to help teachers implement best-practice literacy strategies. The Comprehension Playbook; Launching the Writer’s Workshop: Grades K-2; and Launching the Writer’s Workshop: Grades 3-12 are among the most popular titles.
About the Moderator
A Literacy Consultant with Smekens Education, Holly Sluyter provides professional development in reading comprehension and writing to teachers across the United States. Through on-site consulting, virtual training, and remote coaching, Holly taps into her diverse experiences as a classroom teacher to encourage and empower educators with research-based best-practice literacy strategies.
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
Join the ELA Today community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.
Smekens Education helps K-12 schools improve achievement in reading and writing by providing educators with practical and engaging professional learning. The team at Smekens specializes in inspiring teachers with simple, best-practice literacy strategies that can be implemented right away. Schools around the globe rely on Smekens to provide powerful PD, whether it occurs in-person, virtually, or on-demand.
