Summarizes secondary school students' opinions on the amount of writing they do in school, how they do it, and how it is evaluated. Concludes that the teachers of these students do not neglect writing in their classes. (JT)

Describes a flexible format for a literature unit which avoids the problems associated with a structure which is too rigid or allows too much latitude for students. Notes that the students produce some excellent thinking and writing. (MG)

A former editor of "Scholastic Voice" speculates on why one set of writing assignments, based on reader response to writings by a handicapped teenager, produced such outstanding results. Describes the uncommonly high involvement of student readers, who wrote over 3,000 letters to the author, and undertook classroom writing with…

Tells how to produce a literary magazine, including picking a staff, selling the magazine, getting entries, typing and proofing, laying out and illustrating, cutting and pasting, and distributing the magazine. (EL)

The purpose of this publication is to provide "access to tools," to help English teachers locate and select information and materials for multi-component writing and literature courses. It is divided into three main sections: The first is a catalog of "New Products and Publications for 1974," which includes brief descriptions of materials--from…

Reviews five books by James Moffett, discussing ways these practical applications of his development theory can be adopted as a course, a program, or a curriculum. Presents Moffett's work as a holistic integrated arts approach that offers a "real writing" alternative to such external controls as standardized tests, formalized writing…

Examines positions on English education reform in the early 1900s, specifically the following professional concerns: finance, curriculum, teacher recruitment, and professional leadership. Notes that attitudes and circumstances of the past are repeated in the present. (JG)

Explains how student writing clubs can be used effectively in a middle school English class. Suggests that the required club publications not only provide a strong incentive for students to develop their writing skills, but also encourage student control and decision making, demand student leadership, and elicit parent involvement. (MM)

When ninth-grade students are searching for help in expressing their newly discovered ideas, the principles of transformational grammar can be brought to their aid in the following ways: (1) Assign a provocative topic to the students which they are to discuss as fully as possible in one sentence. (2) Present only the kernel sentences of a…

Argues against direct formal grammar instruction in middle school. Notes that even students with high IQ's frequently score low on cognitive development measures, with children in the concrete stage of thinking usually unable to identify simple subjects and verb phrases. Recommends that until students achieve a level of formal reasoning they…

Discusses strategies for improvement of the mechanical and grammatical structures of written English while still focusing on content in composition. (NKA)

Explores the possibility that combining conflict management and English content, particularly short stories, can help young people develop more effective cognitive skills. Proposes a unit that begins with journal writing and general discussion of conflicts (including a description of three styles with which people manage conflict) and moves on to…

Contains reflections on the importance of teachers' summer vacations and the activities that revitalize the teaching spirit. (RL)

Describes assignments which engage students and are suitable for end of year: (1) a video or booklet for incoming students describing what the grade they are about to enter is all about; (2) a book of poetry for a special person; (3) a research packet for next year's students; and (4) a letter from parents explaining their feelings for their…