Colorado
Writing Curriculum
The Simplify Writing® Curriculum is aligned to the Colorado Framework for Writing Instruction and the Colorado Academic Standards for Writing. It provides direct, explicit writing instruction during the literacy block that supports any reading program that meets the READ Act. It prepares students for the writing portions of CMAS assessments.
YOUR STUDENTS DESERVE QUALITY LESSONS
Why Simplify Writing® is the Best Choice for Colorado Students
Systematic,
Explicit Lessons
We provide teachers with flexible writing lessons that can be used in both universal and intervention settings.
SoR-Aligned Encoding
Our lessons support the relationships between sounds and words as students learn to spell.
Supports Individual Learning Plans
We provide tools and training to help teachers provide interventions and instructional services to support ELLs and students with IEPs.
Includes Professional Development
We include a rigorous graduate level writing training on using evidence-based practices in the literacy block.
Colorado Instructional Literacy Rubric for Writing
Guiding Question
Evidence
To what degree does the program integrate reading and writing?
Every Simplify Writing® unit includes a mentor text which students will read and analyze as they explore the elements of the genre. Text-based writing is used at every grade level, requiring students to respond to both literature and informational texts in writing.
To what degree does the program have a clear scope and sequence across units?
A scope and sequence is included for every grade level, breaking down essential elements of writing and grammar into manageable and structured lessons that build upon each other progressively. The curriculum is designed to be used in a sequence that reflects how students naturally develop writing skills, from basic sentence construction to more advanced writing tasks. This scope and sequence ensures that conventions of print, grammar, and syntax are revisited and reinforced throughout the program.
To what degree does the program include explicit strategy instruction to support each component of the writing process?
Every Simplify Writing® lesson utilizes direct, explicit instruction throughout the writing process, with scaffolded approaches for modeling, practice, and self-reflection.
To what degree does the program provide supports for differentiated instruction for writing?
Tools for differentiation are built into every unit, with flexibility to support students at a wide range of abilities. Intervention and ELL modification libraries are provided, with tools such as sentence frames, vocabulary organizers, read alouds, and other scaffolds. All resources are editable, allowing educators to make modifications as needed.
To what degree does the program reflect and support the teaching of writing in a way that is iterative, recursive, and responsive to students?
Writing is taught through a structured progression, where students build on previous skills over time. Lessons cycle through key writing strategies, revisiting them with increasing complexity to reinforce learning. Students regularly engage in drafting, revising, and refining their work, emphasizing that writing is a process, not a one-time task. Grammar, mechanics, and organization are integrated throughout all stages of writing rather than taught in isolation. Feedback loops are embedded, encouraging reflection, peer feedback, and teacher guidance to refine writing.
THE COLORADO TEACHER EXPERIENCE
"from 48% to 88%..."
"With Simplify Writing, I was able to gain confidence in shortening my lessons to a reasonable time frame, plan instruction and feedback for my students, and allow them room to grow at their independent levels while still teaching grade level standards. Now, they can research, cite, quote, and provide evidence for their claims. Their last assessment showed they significantly improved in all areas, with the average scores going from 48% previously to 88% now!"
-Jasmine (5th grade teacher)
Rangely, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
