Discusses the value of teaching and producing contemporary plays as well as classics in high school. Argues for the superior interest level of challenging, low-budget, relevant dramas recently appearing on the young adult scene, such as those by Jerome McDonough and Hindi Brooks. Includes an annotated bibliography of young adult drama. (JG)

Claims that high school curricula should provide opportunities for students to vicariously explore the relationships, roles, and ideas that appear in Shakespearean drama. Uses the dilemma dramatized in "Hamlet" as an example. (JD)

Questions whether the emphasis placed on the teaching of grammar in the American school curriculum will yield more than modest benefits. Suggests that literacy cannot be attained primarily through analyzing sentences and memorizing rules. (RBW)

Presents a partial list of objectives and a few of the successful activities of an interdisciplinary course, "Man Between War and Peace." (TO)

Since survival on spaceship earth" depends upon cooperation, schools, too, must teach cooperation rather than the competitive nature of society. (MB)

The central concept of a new theory for teaching writing is discussed. The theory states that when students know that the elements in a writing assignment are partly of their own invention, they will be more motivated to produce interesting stories and essays. At the same time, the teacher is able to stress writing skills previously introduced.…

Article discussed use of schedule modules in a large Catholic high school. (SP)

Covers an innovative elective program, views of language and language instruction, and attitudes toward English teachers and the English curriculum. (JL)

Fourteen teachers present their views on the things that make English instruction difficult and the things that should be most important in English instruction during the 1980s, including curriculum design, writing instruction, student attitudes, teacher burnout, and grammar instruction. (RL)

Counterpoint between two educators discussing the issue of competency based English instruction. (RL)

Suggests that the "Standards for the English Language Arts" (copublished by the National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association) makes good sense about literature and almost none at all about literacy. Argues that for 99% of the school population, the de-emphasis of the "Standards" on formal written communication…

Outlines the importance of essay tests as a method of learning and discovery. Suggests ways of helping students approach essay questions, how to determine what information is necessary for a complete answer, and how to fulfill those requirements. (KEH)

Discusses the ways English teachers might usefully mix the "old" literary canon with the new canon. Argues that such a mixture produces better readers. (HB)

Presents a fictional tale of how one elderly and prudish English teacher was disconcerted by adolescent sexuality, to the extent that she could not cope and was forced into early retirement. (HB)

Gives advice for first-year English teachers. Recounts the difficult circumstances under which one teacher was placed in the classroom unawares. Emphasizes the importance of mentors and mentoring activities. (HB)