Presents the responses of numerous professional writers to the question, "What did you do on your summer vacation?" (HB)

Describes how one English teacher developed an approach to Homer's "Odyssey" that focused on the mythical hero lurking within each individual and the power of myth to shape everyday human experience. Provides excerpts from student writing about the personal odysseys in their own lives. (HB)

The concept of place-based education plays an important role in shaping the English language arts curriculum. A crucial element in one's ability to live well as individuals and as communities is the way in which people connect to a place.

This article examines the causes and consequences of the increasing control of English education and training (E&T) by central government and its agencies. It poses three questions--what are the reasons for national government becoming the dominant player in this area of policy, why is the English system so statist in design and operation, and…

Viewing the English language arts standards developed by the National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association as a point of departure rather than a final destination, this book presents a number of ways to increase student ownership of learning. The book details a pedagogy that recognizes, respects, and builds from…

The challenge of middle school teaching is brought to life in this book, a narrative companion to the Standards for the English Language Arts developed by the National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association. According to the book, team teaching and student-created materials form the framework for myriad…

A program to mainstream mildly handicapped (learning disabled and mentally handicapped) ninth graders in a high school English course has been developed in Bettendorf, Iowa. (DB)

Details the origin, plan, and benefits of a high school program which created a bridge between classroom teacher, guidance counselor, and student. (DD)

Reflects on a research project conducted by two professionals in language arts instruction investigating the curriculum decisions and book selection among classroom teachers. Recounts the researchers' own attempt to make sense of new ideas in the field and the application and relevance of those ideas to classroom practice. (TB)

Describes the new language curriculum implemented in 1991 in Singapore (replacing one in use since 1982). Describes how objectives for language and literacy education have changed from a concern with linguistic accuracy and functional literacy to an emphasis on literacy for personal growth and the meeting of students' present and future needs. (SR)

"English for Ages 5 to 11," a report prepared by the English Working Group (England), is presented as a positive step toward improved English instruction for special education students, as it returns to a pupil-centered view of teaching/learning, supports entitlement to a full English curriculum, and integrates assessment into…

Sketches the way one English teacher used silent film to engender creative writing in a school for American Indian students. Advocates the use of humor in cross-cultural educational settings. (HB)

Gives a narrative memoir of one English teacher's positive experiences spending part of summer vacation in a multicultural island community. (HB)

Describes a practical approach to curricular revision from the point of view of a English department chair who presided over the remaking of the graduate curriculum and the hiring of new faculty. (RS)

Discusses ways to encourage children to write original poetry and provides samples of student works. Over a 10-week period introduced children to 3 types of poems: noisy poems (focusing on noises and sounds related to the topic), poems for 2 voices (dialog poems written in 2 vertical columns), and free poetry (poetry without rhyme or meter). (MDM)