A method of assessing the written language of hearing-impaired students.

A carefully conceptualized and well-organized evaluation system can provide important information about students' writing abilities. By measuring students' skill proficiency before instruction, teachers can begin a program with an accurate picture of their students' strengths and areas of concern in writing. This article presents an overview of several ways to assess written language. In addition, it provides a rationale and method for assessing the written expression of hearing-impaired individuals that reflects all facets of the writing product and guides instruction in the writing process.