Dynamic and responsive methods enable teachers to assess students' writing skills precisely and equitably, and to empower students of diverse skill levels to develop their writing. Assessing writing with equity-minded precision requires paying close attention to students' performances as writers, identifying challenges in those performances, and…

In this article, four students share their ideas on what bystanders can do to prevent bullying of students who are different or perceived as different from others. Anna Nordseth says what bystanders need to realize is how to recognize bullying and what a lasting effect it can have on the individuals involved. One bold, compassionate bystander can…

Movies are a part of social discourse, and they may show "life the way people would like to make it." As educators look at society's changing views of knowledge, learning, teaching, and success, they can engage in that discourse and consider ways it does--or does not--reflect and affect pedagogies and daily lives. As Hollywood directs society's…

Argues that educational reform will fail unless the priorities of reformists and adolescents are rendered more harmonious. Discusses establishing a congenial tone in the classroom and giving students greater responsibility for curriculum choices. (EL)

Explains how a teacher engages students in conversations about the teaching of writing and the use of portfolio assessment. Contains student input on a number of assessment criteria: range, flexibility, connectedness, independence, and conventions. (TB)

Describes how students from English classes in Lapwai High School (Idaho) produced their own Foxfire-inspired magazine and conducted workshops on magazine production. (ARH)

Describes how teachers might invite their students to become participants in the act of educational reform. Argues that school reform will ultimately fail unless students are encouraged to participate. (HB)

Describes an open-discussion format for an eighth grade literature class in which students engage in higher order inquiry and clarification skills which then transfer to their reading and writing tasks. Provides rules for open discussion: be courteous; tolerate silence; and self-evaluate. Includes a sample discussion cue sheet. (MM)

Describes the effects of an intercultural exchange of electronic mail, a research project carried out by a high school teacher and two student research assistants. Emphasizes the educational value of students' participation on the research team. (ARH)

Describes how a new English teacher invited students to negotiate with him their course of study. Discusses setting the stage for negotiated learning, establishing ownership and building ensemble, clarifying expectations and rehearsing together, planning ahead and assessing the performance, helping students take on additional roles, and allowing…

Describes four student projects carried out in one English department's humanities program in l968. (EL)

Describes the experience of one English teacher who utilized teacher research to restructure and revitalize her teaching. Describes the dissatisfaction and disillusionment of her students, attitudes that prompted the changes. Narrates the particular events and techniques used by the teacher, especially with regard to her concept of cooperative…

Suggests that peer group instruction is one of the most significant benefits to have emerged from the process approach to writing instruction. Presents a teacher's classroom research on the peer group response method. (ARH)