Argues that literacy professionals, in schools as well as colleges and universities, need to write for the general public, and that if they do not, they are contributing to an educational crisis of unprecedented proportions. Provides suggestions on and examples of how to write for the general public. (SR)

The responses of approximately 150 political and educational leaders to the question, "If it were in your power, what one thing would you do to improve the reading and writing skills of boys and girls?" are presented in this report. Their views, along with original letters, are alphabetically arranged according to group represented: (1)…

Summarizes the responses of governors and past presidents and executive directors of the National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association to the question "If it were in your power, what one thing would you do to improve the reading and writing skills of boys and girls?" (FL)

Unlike trends in reading and writing instruction which are shortlived, such as speed reading, performance contracting, and the i.t.a. (initial teaching alphabet), certain influences exist which contribute to lasting improvements in reading and writing. Several factors can help to distinguish trends from the more permanent influences on education.…

This book describes a literacy program called Teens for Literacy, in operation over 10 years, and explains how readers can set up a similar program in their school or community. The book states that the program is intended to interest middle school and high school students in promoting literacy while improving their reading and writing skills. It…