In this frankly utopian essay, Robert Yagelski's theme is the transformative power of writing as an act in and of itself. He makes us reevaluate our motivation and point for teaching writing in schools and asks us to consider an agenda that will quite frankly scare teachers as he explains why we need an ontology of writing. (Contains 6 notes.)

James Berlin has idenitified three common ideological approaches in rhetoric in composition courses crucial to an understanding of how collaborative learning works in writing courses: the expressivist, cognitivist, and social-epistemic. One of the primary distinctions among these rhetorics is how the subject is perceived. In an expressionist or…

Examines the language and meanings assigned to various colors to understand sources of negative racial attitudes. Discusses the importance of self-definition and a positive self-image in creating a trusting environment that fosters understanding. Advocates using teachable moments with children to promote understanding of diversity. Includes a…

Presents a "development-in-action" study, in which children's development is approached as a situated accomplishment, the product of adults' and children's interaction in everyday settings. Suggests that analysis of the play's cultural work helps to understand how everyday social activity reproduces the social order that conditions it…

Critiques the ideas espoused by Packer (PS 522 550) in this issue. Observes that Packer fails to indicate the vast and important differences that exist between adults' and children's abilities. Suggests that reliance on play as a source for self-fashioning lessens with development, as children's autonomy is limited to a few social roles spread…

A positive self-concept is important for all children. Parents can assess their children's feelings about themselves and improve their children's self-respect. Feelings about the self are important because they affect children's success, sense of worth, ability to love others and to learn. Adults may inadvertently undermine a child's self-esteem…

Social scientists can make two different types of contributions to school desegregation. One of these is to continue to collaborate with lawyers and judges in the legal proceedings necessary to convert the desegregation ideal into reality. The other is to greatly increase their collaboration with educators to make desegregation a more positive…

The use of rites and ceremonials to influence the practice of advising in the college setting is considered, with attention to rites of passage, enhancement, renewal, and integration. During the rite of passage, the new status of advisor is assumed and may be formally signified by distribution of the advisor handbook and informal socials with…

Discusses the needs of adolescents and how teachers should accommodate these needs in order to encourage learning and to make their job easier. (SRT)