Many students are struggling with more depression and anxiety than ever before. These are characteristic dangers of the "consumer class"--1.7 billion people worldwide who are "characterized by diets of highly processed food, desire for bigger houses, more and bigger cars, higher levels of debt, and lifestyles devoted to the accumulation of…

The author began her career teaching kindergarten. All 38 of her students showed up to school excited to be there and eager to learn. When she moved to the middle school, it was an entirely different story. She was stunned when most of her students didn't care whether or not they were successful academically. She encountered the same attitudes…

Describes the traits held by "elitist humanists" who attack the teaching of English today. (DD)

Demonstrates why English teachers need to be fully aware of the utilitarian context and the useful content of the language course--so that they can teach accordingly, improve language usage and communication, and improve their public image. (RL)

Presents a debate over the problems and possibilities for reviewing children's books that contain religious themes. (RL)

Expresses the serious problems inherent in minimum competency testing, particularly as it is used in assessing student writing ability. (RL)

Suggests resources which can assist a teacher to take a long view" of current world problems. (RD)

Recounts a study conducted to determine (1) the degree to which writing as punishment exists, (2) the attitudes of English teachers toward the practice, (3) the frequency of its use, (4) the types of assignments, (5) the types of writing, and (6) reasons for the assignments. (EL)

Presents exercises to help change students' negative perceptions of Africa. (MM)

Examines various images of disabled or handicapped persons in diverse novels and plays. Addresses these images as literary devices and allegorical symbols. (NKA)

Two high school English teachers disagree on the efficacy of making jokes about racial and cultural stereotypes. (RL)

Proposes specific public relations practices, aimed at parents, that will make the public more aware of the invaluable work done by English teachers. (RL)

Reports on a study that indicated the development of unhealthy attitudes toward writing in students who received negative feedback. (RL)

Suggests that real life can be depressing enough without subjecting teenagers to a steady diet of reading assignments whose content is largely negative. Laments that a search has turned up so few examples of "good" literature and asks for suggestions. (RBW)

Presents a humorous speech given to high school English teachers on two serious subjects: externally imposed standards and standardized testing, and anti-intellectualism in the classroom and in the culture. Argues that English teachers themselves are responsible for some of the anti-intellectualism they encounter by teaching literature in an…