This paper examined the status of assessment of writing as it is currently performed in the United States. All fifty states and the District of Columbia responded to a survey requesting information on their testing programs. Twenty-six states and the District of Columbia were found to assess writing on the statewide level, and eight states were in the process of developing procedures. Statewide assessment was made at various grade levels. Purpose for statewide assessment varied, as did the population taking the test. States which conducted comprehensive assessment (where the writing ability of every student in a specific grade was assessed) could utilize the results in several ways. Results were used to indicate the need for remediation in writing, to determine whether minimum competency requirements had been met for graduation, and to provide information for improving curriculum and instruction. The appendix provides a state by state summary of survey results. (LMO)