When should writing assessment begin?

Writing assessment should begin during the first stage of the writing process because this is when students are first developing their ideas and organizing their thoughts. Early assessment allows instructors to provide targeted feedback that can guide students as they brainstorm, plan, and draft their work. By assessing students at this initial stage, educators can identify foundational skills that need reinforcement and encourage effective writing habits before the drafting process is fully underway. This proactive approach fosters a supportive environment for writers, enabling them to improve and refine their skills throughout the writing process rather than solely evaluating their final products.