This booklet summarizes a discussion of the opportunities provided by computerized information-handling technology to improve student achievement in reading and writing. The first section discusses the development and educational use of an automated dictionary (AD) that would allow a student to designate a word by typing it and receive information…

This report is one in a series of reference documents designed especially to assist educators who are directly involved in the revision and improvement of content standards. It presumes a basic understanding of the purposes for standards and the process of standards review and evaluation. This report may be of interest to curriculum directors,…

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the status of literature in contemporary English K-12 curriculum in a national agenda that values skills, outcomes and benchmarking. This paper is divided into two parts. The first part argues that the role of literature in the primary classroom should not be underestimated, and that educators should…

Describes the inception and development of an Ethiopian refugee English program in Cairo, Egypt. The following topics are addressed: (1) background; (2) teachers; (3) program; (4) classes; (5) materials; (6) content; and (7) day-to-day administration. An essay on "refugeehood" by a program participant is included. (BJV)

Describes the relationship between reading and writing and considers its treatment in scholarly research. Explores relationships between writing and reading as they emerge in autobiographical accounts of literacy developments. Analyzes numerous interviews of people remembering literacy experiences. (HB)

Uses a case study to explore the concept of academic authority and how it manifests itself in written arguments. Investigates how differences in authority are played out in the academic environment. Examines how the lack of authority shapes the reading and writing practices adopted by students. (HB)

Explores the language learning and social adaptation of five immigrant women by using diaries and critical dialogue for collaborative research. Highlights the construct of social identity as central to the adaptation process. Advocates critical reflection by students on the process of identity negotiation, especially through diary-keeping. (HB)

Considers one location involving complex language skills, the offices of professional architects. Analyzes written and spoken texts in such an environment and the context of working relationships in which they are produced. Broadens a view of language competencies required by professional communicators. (HB)

Considers the role of story and narrative genres in early years classrooms. Studies the reading, writing, and role-playing activities of students. Argues that the children observed developed an understanding of the nature of genre, genre differentiation, and power relationships in a sophisticated and integrated manner. (HB)

Suggests that a properly conceived British National Curriculum for English has advantages. Points to English teachers who already emphasize the power of language to express thought and feeling. Notes that the achievement of attainment targets could be offset by reduced confidence, good will, creativity, and professional involvement. Discusses…

Teachers can seize "teachable moments" to impart knowledge, challenge false assumptions, and encourage thoughtfulness about sex-related behaviors. English and social studies teachers have countless opportunities to address adolescent sexuality issues. Once educators accept responsibility for educating children to survive in a sexually exploitative…

Asks whether the sustained instruction in the "basics" of English, especially grammar, is being unrightfully ignored. Challenges teachers who claim that instruction in grammar is unneeded or ill-advised. Counters such assertions by examining two research studies purportedly proving the ineffectiveness of teaching grammar. (HB)

Examines, in a five-year ethnographic study in secondary schools, issues of how literature learning shapes thinking. Follows 10 students from their English classes into their academic classes over their high school careers. Analyzes literacy events in their literature and content-area classes, including how literacy events functioned and what they…

Describes how a high school English teacher set up a project to help students who made frequent conventional errors become more aware of them, choose goals based on their own writing weaknesses, collect data, work toward improvement, and assess their success. Argues that, while not all students are reached, the climate of the classroom is…

Explores the degree to which Nancy Ide's "Expert User's View" and "Holistic View" on teacher education in humanities education can be substantiated in Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL). Finds that most CALL courses are geared toward the expert user. Presents a rationale for a CALL course with a holistic orientation.…