Suggests that ELLA (English Language and Literacy Assessment ) implemented in New South Wales, Australia, fails four tests for sound diagnostic assessment set out in a standard reference (K.W. Howell et al. "Curriculum Based Evaluation")--tests for logicality, reliability, validity, and accuracy and practicality. (RS)

Claims that arguments about the invalidity, purposelessness, and misleading nature of ELLA (English Language and Literacy Assessment ) implemented in New South Wales, Australia, remain intact despite attempts to counter the arguments. Presents a detailed critique of arguments presented in an article in the previous of this journal supporting ELLA.…

Describes three separate efforts by Australian federal and state governments to improve teaching and the teaching profession. Provides an overview of the Strategic Partnership with Industry Research and Training (SPIRT) as it strives to bring the three reform agendas together. (NH)

Looks at what has been happening to the notion of being a "good" English teacher during a period when increasingly this has become a political and professional issue in England. Outlines the pattern of change for English teachers in England, including positive and negative outcomes of the last few years. Indicates what might be learned…

Suggests that young people's out-of-school cultural experiences were profoundly significant in developing their learning and expressive potential. Suggests that media education should be framed in terms of understanding what young people can learn and make as they are addressed and given opportunities by mass culture and digital technology. (SC)

Presents brief essays by teachers of English in Australian primary and secondary schools in a bid to convey images of accomplished teaching. Introduction by Brenton Doecke, includes "Negotiating the Curriculum" (Lynne Collidge); "Year 7 Autobiographies" (Chris Melican); "Taking Ownership" (Cheryl Lawson);…

Presents six brief (about one page) narratives by primary and secondary teachers arising from STELLA (Standards for Teachers of English Language and Literacy in Australia) workshops and interpretive discussions. Notes that each narrative describes a moment of "good" English/literacy teaching. (SG)

Discusses the results of research which revealed that students in third and fifth forms favored oral rather than written situations when studying language. (RB)

Presents Australian high school student responses to questions about what they do in school, how they do it, what they think, and how they feel. Proposes that teachers can learn from these responses, possibly adapting their teaching procedure because of student comments. (RL)

Personally relates issues raised and methods used to counter sex stereotypes in an English classroom in a single sex school. (HOD)

Offers six recommendations in response to a proposal to eliminate literature from the English program in Australia in favor of functional English skills. (HOD)

Discusses what grammar is, what language is, recent studies in language research, and relates these to classroom teaching. (MB)

Gives an account of Gail Reynolds's experience in administrating the DART (Developmental assessment resource for teachers) and AIM (Achievement improvement monitor) tests at her school. Reflects on how the test results compared with her own judgments of the literacy abilities of individual students in her class. Offers four case studies that draw…

Argues for the use of student voice as pedagogical text in the English classroom. Produces texts written for young people as a means of placing on the agenda issues which matter to them. Suggests that such voices can be used productively and powerfully in the English classroom to articulate other ways of seeing and being in the world. (SG)

Describes efforts by a high school science teacher and English teacher to collaborate with one another, aiming to enhance the students' learning by focusing on common skills and processes in their respective subjects. Outlines problems and difficulties (showing how the world of schools and teaching intrudes on innovation) as well as positive…