This discussion attempts to acquaint parents with the reasons for teaching writing in grades 1-12 and with some of the processes by which teachers guide students in learning to write. Specific topics include the practical need for writing, the differences between written and spoken languages, the ways children learn to write, the topics they write about, the amount of writing they should do, questions of style and correct usage, problems of testing and grading, and techniques of teaching writing. Ways in which parents can help both the child and the school are suggested. (This document previously announced as ED 025 515.) (LH)