In this article, the authors share what they learned from their study of writing communities, which they refer to as writing groups, during the 2017-18 school year. The authors propose a conceptual framework for writing groups that engages students in the process of designing and participating as writers with their peers. The framework emphasizes…

To be successful, teachers of English in grades 6-12 need more than basic content knowledge and classroom management skills. They need a deep understanding of the goals and principles of teaching literature, writing, oral discourse, and language in order to make sound instructional decisions. This engaging book explores the pedagogical foundations…

As part of its proposal to the U.S. Department of Education, the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) committed to developing model content frameworks for English language arts/literacy (ELA/Literacy) to serve as a bridge between the Common Core State Standards and the PARCC assessments. The Model Content…

A high school English teacher used her weekly Impromptu Poetry session to find out what 11th graders thought veterans had accomplished. The teacher developed a writing prompt that asked the students to describe a family member who had served in the military and to show what they understood about that person. Students who did not have a family…

Uses ideas contained in King's book as the basis for a unit on critical analysis of horror films for composition students. (NKA)

A five-step method of conflict analysis can help students generate accurate and complex theme statements about literature without teacher intervention. The conflict analysis involves (1) identifying the characters who are in conflict as a series of pairs and determining if the protagonist has an inner conflict; (2) determining the major conflict,…

Intended as a practical planning and instructional tool, this teacher resource manual was developed to assist Alberta (Canada) classroom teachers to implement the high school Integrated Occupational English Language Arts Program. The manual contains: (1) additional information about the goals and objectives of the curriculum; (2) thematic contexts…

Described is a teacher-developed book about the Civil War for use in an 11th grade interdisciplinary U.S. history/English literature course. The text contains a brief historical summary of letters written by a Union soldier, a guide for studying the letters, and suggestions for further reading. (RM)

This guide, developed by educators and revised by Louisiana teachers and curriculum specialists, provides Louisiana educators with information regarding assessment strategies used on the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) Grade 11 Test as well as suggested instructional approaches for enhancing student proficiency in the skill areas…

The fifth of seven related guides, this curriculum guide for eleventh grade English outlines opportunities for students to use the skills they have acquired previously, to be involved in well-planned educational experiences in critical thinking and in oral and written expression, and to develop an understanding of others. The first half of the…

Discusses a method for involving students in topics so that research evolves from a desire to know. Describes using response group discussion about real life problems to find topics, freewriting loops, and class presentation before and during research. Reports positive atmosphere and interest. (JG)

This lesson plan for teachers to use with students in junior English (American Literature and pre-college writing) seeks to span the gap between American Revolution-era literature and today's teenagers. The lesson plan advocates using music to span the gap. It presents a rationale, educational objectives, materials needed, and background…