Examines two debates within the basic writing community (the reaction against Min Zhan Lu's early theoretical work and the recent acrimonious debate regarding Ira Shor's defense of mainstreaming) showing how they reflect conflicting models of the basic writing field, with "critical" discourse challenging the conventions and authority of…

Argues that basic writing teachers must consider the negative effects of their lack of professional definition, particularly their lack of influence within the larger field. Argues that they need a resolution or professional statement to join in reasserting the value of teaching as their primary professional purpose. (SR)

Presents two brief articles. Discusses the Conference on Basic Writing's (CBW) workshop, "Race, Class, and Culture in the Basic Writing Classroom" and how it came about. States that the theory and practice of mainstreaming was the center around which issues coalesced. Discusses the invisibility of class as a site of struggle and a place…