Continuous writing and revision are the most effective tools for developing written skills that this instructor has come across. That and getting constructive feedback that you can apply immediately to those revisions and next assignments. Papers will be re-graded and the student awarded the higher grade earned. Late papers lose revision privileges, so students have incentive to work on schedule. Most students learn wonderfully with this system, so revision usually becomes less necessary and grades usually improve, sometimes dramatically.
Grades do mean something.
Correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling are evidenced throughout, so there are few real errors. The student sticks carefully to the assignment, and most sections are well-developed, although one may be only adequate. Essay form is adhered to by an introduction and thesis statement that addresses the assignment directly, subsequent paragraphs with clear and pertinent topic sentence points, appropriate development of paragraphs, and a conclusion that ties together the discussion. While grammar and mechanics errors may occur, they are not prevalent. Significant problems in several or all of these areas usually earn the paper lower grades.