Book excerpt: This text reviews current research and theory related to written language development and disorders, and offers guidance for writing instruction based on the information from the review. Coverage includes writing development from early childhood into adult years. Specific topics include spelling development and disorders; written syntax, text cohesion, coherence, and structure; writing curricula, with a focus on the process approach; handwriting disorders; the use of computers to foster written language development; and a review and critique of standardized written language tests. The nine contributors are specialists in neurology, education, special education, learning disabilities, and applied special technology. Annotation copyrighted by Book News Inc., Portland, OR.