In this article, the author talks about the use of punctuation and describes a study that confirmed her growing sense that all students need exposure to and instruction on the full repertoire of punctuation. In an attempt to assess how much of the eleventh graders know about the way professionals use punctuation, all teachers at Webster Thomas…

The author started in the Ph.D. program in comparative literature at Princeton in 1992, a year after she graduated from college. She fell in love with mythology and the classical traditions and find herself teaching literature. In the remainder of her time at Princeton, she precepted for four or five more classes, got the chance to join the…

The authors had the most fantastic teachable moment when they shared book club time with 24 students they teach at Health Sciences High and Middle College. As they reflect on their conversation with the students, they are convinced that the impetus for the students' interest in what they were reading and discussing with their peers was that they…

In recent years, a concatenation of fears, pressures, and agendas has produced a new round of testing in the form of high school exit examinations. There has not, however, been an accompanying rush to see whether the exams do any good. No state has attempted to validate its test against external criteria: given the hyperbole surrounding the tests…

This article looks at the importance of student-generated analogies, metaphors, and similes as an entry point into their understandings of HIV/AIDS. In addition, it argues that analogies, metaphors, and similes are good tools for eliciting students' prior understandings of HIV/AIDS, especially matters relating to sexuality that are often…

Discusses the importance of the junior year in high school and indicates that it should be spent refining and strengthening career goals. Describes a workplace readiness class where juniors learn about skills they will need in the real work such as work ethics and interviewing techniques. (JOW)

Describes the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, a residential school for high school juniors and seniors who are gifted in science and mathematics. Includes an interview with three of the students. (JOW)

Discusses the issue of students buying papers on the Internet. Considers how educators reconcile their ability to teach effectively with their students' ability to cheat and steal without the teacher's knowledge. Suggests a solution by assigning essays that cannot be bought. (SG)

Examines some findings from linguistically based text analyses for their possible utilization in teaching English in Grades 11-13 and in teaching literature. Notes some elements in text linguistics analogous to elements in present-day communication-oriented foreign language teaching, using James Joyce's short story "Eveline" for illustration.…

Replicates an earlier study in which students read versions of passages rewritten by composition instructors, text linguists, or Time-Life writers. Finds that the composition instructor's revisions were the most effective. Points out methodological lessons learned. Comments on some conclusions on improving textbook design and the measures used in…

This study focused on the use of computer-assisted instruction with high risk students. Subjects were eleventh grade American history students who were presented the same material either by their regular instructor or by a computer sequence developed with an authoring system. Despite a statistically significant advantage for the…

Some insights into the development of an eleventh grade test of "adult functional competency" are provided. The evolution of the test from its first mention to its translation into a test item pool is traced. An attempt is made to identify some of the instructional, measurement, and legal implications inherent in various decisions which…

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)

It is suggested that working may contribute to the development of more advanced social understanding in adolescents by requiring them to shift back and forth between diverse roles, and interact frequently with strangers. Illustrative material from interviews with adolescents and parents is included. (Author/GK)

Describes on Israeli English-as-a-Foreign-Language teacher's experience with a multimedia project in Grade 11 5-point Bagrut classes and with Grade 10 native speakers. (Author/VWL)