Reports analysis of 1,892 essays written by 11 graders in a district-wide writing assessment. Scored for ability to (1) use conventions of standard written English and (2) support an argument, the papers show that 17-year-olds have trouble supporting an argument despite proficiency in mechanics. Argues against teaching superficial correctness. (JG)

Describes a high school composition teacher's research comparing researchers' observations on students' composing attitudes and habits against those of her own students. Emphasizes the importance of classroom teachers' involvement in research. (ARH)

Given that very little is known about the kinds of writing experiences students have in content areas beyond writing for evaluative purpose, a study investigated how writing tasks interact with learning and also how the instructional context in which writing is embedded influences what students contribute to and take from writing. The effects of…

A high school English teacher assigned to a class of underachieving eleventh grade students encountered numerous difficulties with the students' behavior and their resistance to writing. Most were disruptive in class, hostile to reading and writing assignments, and had troubled home lives. To combat the problem, the teacher developed a…