Remarks on recent articles and books regarding literacy and reading in America. (SR)

Examines various approaches that have been taken to promote literacy and makes a plea for more research to clarify issues that will permit more useful definitions of literacy and more productive approaches to developing and enhancing literacy among youth and adults. (HOD)

Praises Peter Johnston's thoughtful, constructive use of the term dyslexia in his article that appeared in the May 1985, "Harvard Educational Review." (HOD)

Humorously describes the "dumbing down/smartening up" phenomenon which, on the one hand, attempts to convey complex ideas in simple language, but on the other hand may water down the material so much that readers will never have to tackle even a moderately challenging reading task on their own. (RS)