Presents a critical history of a particular composition handbook: the "Harbrace College Handbook." Argues that such handbooks serve two important institutional purposes: articulating what is deemed important subject matter for composition classrooms (handbooks write the discipline); and shaping teacher and student subjectivities…

Describes an action research investigation into overcoming a tension felt in a particular approach to teaching literature. Wishes to make studying literature a meaningful experience for students and have them pass exams. Uses the idea of the forum, as described by J. Bruner, as a way of holding these two thrusts together. Evaluates effectiveness…

Looks at how the best writers of English from the 1600s to the present use punctuation in their nonfiction. Finds three bases for punctuation: intonation, grammar (or syntax), and semantics (or rhetoric). Shows that these authors do not regularly and consistently follow the institutionalized rules. Argues for rhetoric-based punctuation because its…

This analysis considers the role district policy environments play in the lives of beginning teachers. As part of a larger longitudinal study of teacher learning in the language arts, the authors analyzed the experiences of three first-year teachers in two contrasting school districts. This article assesses the role of policies concerning…

Since introducing a grammar unit can be daunting and frustrating for both teachers and students, a collaborative unit for a 10th-grade class was planned that would satisfy an administrative requirement but also maintain the integrity of the writing program. The unit was planned by developing an approach of non-intrusive grammar instruction at the…

Noting the popularity and wide use of John Warriner's series of English grammar and composition textbooks and workbooks for high school students (first published in 1948), this paper argues that rhetorical theory informs the series, despite Warriner's claims that his approach was based on axioms of writing instruction. The paper also speculates on…

The "Write a Sentence Test" was developed for use in the evaluation of student writing abilities in association with a project in Memphis, Tennessee. This paper discusses ways of administering and scoring the test, decisions concerning modification of the test, and experiences when the test was administered to sample subjects. All forms…

In 1984-85, the third year of its operation, New York City's Transition Program for Refugee Children (T.P.R.C.) provided funds to 42 public and four non-public schools (each having five or more refugee students). T.P.R.C. provides classes in English as a second language (E.S.L.) and/or content-area instruction with the E.S.L. approach specifically…

Isolates the variable of research writing as a means of defining an "advanced composition program." Concludes that advanced composition courses should focus on specialized writing. (MS)

Literacy education in Jamaica lacks an officially accepted policy and methodology for teaching creole speakers. This has led to a low literacy level across the population. The distinctive features of Jamaican Creole are highlighted in this article in order to give theoretical and pedagogical insights to literacy teachers. (VM)

A program was developed to increase the receptive and expressive language skills of 24 secondary learning-disabled students. Program units covered word sorting, sight-word vocabulary, key-word reading, reading rate, reading comprehension, listening, and writing. (Author/SW)

Investigates use of oral narratives by a Mexican-born girl (Isabela) participating in small group literature discussions in a bilingual second-grade classroom in the U.S. over a year. Examines both the role of narratives in Isabela's discussions of texts and the role of context in shaping her talk. Suggests a notion of achievement that departs…

Addresses how content and availability affect a teacher's choice of texts. Proposes that editors often determine teachers' choices. Compares two high school textbooks, from 1999 and 1991. Concludes that selections of short fiction are getting shorter, and that excerpts increasingly rule. (PM)

The relationships between Standard English and literacy teaching are explored. It is argued that Standard English should be taught as a socially authorized discourse within a particular culture, along with respect for and acceptance of nonstandard forms of the English language that children use. (SLD)

Discusses the relationship between visual electronic media (e.g. television, film, and computers) and cognitive ability. Notes that language is now inseparable from its electronic media context, and that classroom activities should focus on active interaction with this media to encourage critical thinking. (MM)