Argues that, while children need to learn the syntactic, symantic, and graphonic cuing systems necessary to reading, the ultimate focus of elementary reading instruction should be reading for meaning. Describes an ideal classroom where students constantly interact with reading and writing and developing personal motivations for effective language…

The authors assert that school writing programs inhibit students through meaningless topic assignments and emphasis on the technical aspects of transcription rather than the really basic skill of composing. They describe a first-grade classroom ideal for writing instruction, where the teacher collaborates in children's writing, instead of teaching…

Briefly reviews survey findings on writing achievement, discusses students' difficulties with writing, and suggests that teachers not only provide more opportunities for writing, but help students develop strategies for solving the problems that all writers confront: planning, drafting, revising, and editing. (SJL)

Considers the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics'"An Agenda for Action: Recommendations for School Mathematics in the 1980s" in light of recent trends in secondary school mathematics. Discusses the reports' recommendations on problem solving, definition of basic skills, calculators and computers, secondary math curriculum, and…

Advocates elementary math instruction that uses realistic problems or examples and that teaches children to think. Suggests methods for accomplishing these objectives, including the use of mathematical games. (SJL)