Writing to Read (WTR) is a computer-based instructional system designed to develop writing and reading skills. In the fall of 1985, the WTR program was implemented for the first time in some kindergarten and first-grade classes in Fort Worth Independent School District, (Texas) elementary schools. Research was conducted to evaluate: (1) the implementation of the WTR programs; (2) its effectiveness in developing students' writing and reading skills in comparison to students of similar socioeconomic status in non-WTR classrooms; and (3) the costs of continuing the WTR program at the same level of operation. Data were collected from classroom observations, staff interviewers' collected writing samples, and results of the reading subtest of Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. Continuation costs were based on lab aides' salaries, materials used, and equipment maintenance and repair. The teachers, principals, and aide were positive about the program. The findings with respect to the outcome measures of reading and writing were much weaker than expected. Due to a poor implementation design that did not allow for the assessment of the relative contribution of WTR in comparison to competing programs, the cost-effectiveness of WTR could not be validly evaluated. Writing process instruction showed promise as as cost-effective alternative. Appendices include the observation form, questionnaires, a description of writing process instruction, instructions for collecting writing samples, kindergarten and first-grade scoring criteria, examples of kindergarten and first-grade writing samples, a letter soliciting teachers' participation in scoring of writing samples, tallies of scores on kindergarten and first-grade training samples, repair cost of IBM PC Jrs under an IBM service contract, and estimated costs of computer repairs under district maintenance plans. (JAZ)