Argues that, as educators embrace new technology, it is important to look at the tradeoffs. Proposes and discusses five "common denominators" that cut across media and communications technologies, past and future. Offers generalizations about common elements in all language that permit analysis and critique of the new media and help students…

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) must take steps to ensure that proposals for reform in literacy education are based on the best research, theory, and practice of teaching as well as on the perceived needs of the public and press. NCTE members can take steps to advise legislators and school board members of some of the…

The president of the National Council of Teachers of English recommends steps for a fundamental change in literacy education including teacher training programs, smaller classes, cross curriculum programs, long-range planning for improving English instruction, and de-emphasis of standardized test scores in favor of other measures of literacy. (MJL)