Argues against direct formal grammar instruction in middle school. Notes that even students with high IQ's frequently score low on cognitive development measures, with children in the concrete stage of thinking usually unable to identify simple subjects and verb phrases. Recommends that until students achieve a level of formal reasoning they…

Discusses the impetus towards social relevance among educators in the 1960s and 1970s, then assesses the resulting interdisciplinary orientation of elementary and secondary school English curricula in the 1980s. Surveys ways that English classes address the social consequences of science and technology. (JG)

Presents an exchange between two English professors who offer opposing perspectives on the profession of English. Covers arguments on the understanding of theory, literary history, reading, curricular design, and pedagogy through the examination of Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Minister's Black Veil." (MM)

Examines the trend of community colleges to narrow the language arts curriculum to meet a restricted definition of "literacy." Argues for a wider definition that calls upon students to become familiar with the various uses of language through reading and writing. (FL)

Examines the present crisis embodied in the illiteracy impasse and advocates making instruction in the critical reading of literature the foundation of an integrated literature and writing curriculum that would help develop a working model of the imagination's real relation to language as a guide to the cultivation of literacy. (NKA)

Describes action research through which systematic improvement in both practice and understanding occurs through planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. Then, applies this research to the Kewdale project, focusing particularly upon the kinds of knowledge that were generated by the participants and the sorts of actions that took place in their…

Looks at English departments, English curricula, and the activities of professional organizations in the field, and concludes that bureaucracies, with their vested interest in the status quo, prevent effective action against a range of major problems faced by English teachers. (RBW)

To alleviate current instructional and curricular problems, college English departments should cooperate with secondary schools in such areas as teacher training in writing instruction, reduction of teaching loads, and grading of papers of college-preparatory students. Colleges should also consider establishing admission requirements of four years…

Discusses collaboration between secondary school teacher-librarians and English teachers to promote literacy and reading through choice book units, where students can choose from a selection of suggested titles. Topics include nonfiction books; advantages for low-ability readers; audio books; and Teachers as Readers book discussion groups. (LRW)

Discusses how a unit using a Russian novel helped students experience a sense of glasnost in their classrooms and allows teacher/researchers to examine how middle school students respond to literature. Finds that using literature from other countries forces students to examine their own values in contrast with those of the characters. (MG)

Suggests four overlapping areas of exploration that might help spark "creative re-formations" of the way English teachers think about computers and their relationship to writing: (1) computers and teaching writing, (2) computers and language theory, (3) computers and learning from the past, and (4) computer research in other fields. (GEA)

Explores the possibility that combining conflict management and English content, particularly short stories, can help young people develop more effective cognitive skills. Proposes a unit that begins with journal writing and general discussion of conflicts (including a description of three styles with which people manage conflict) and moves on to…

Assesses the 5-14 Development Program, national guidelines for primary-secondary curricula in Scotland. Examines program objectives for mathematics, English, and environmental studies. Describes guidelines' possible ambiguities for teachers seeking tools for instruction and academic assessment. Suggests teachers' experience be used to further…

A collaboration between secondary teachers and university faculty to implement the use of writing portfolios for student assessment in English illustrates that the process of reform implementation is crucial. The testimony of teachers, administrators, and university consultants shows that participants viewed the change, its process, and the…

Describes the planning and introduction of model activities that integrate subject-specific critical thinking skills through library media skills instruction. Activities for the English curriculum are described for grades 9-12 and include the roles of the library media specialist, teachers, and students. Student reactions are also described.…