Jeniffer, a self-proclaimed "schoolgirl" who was a bilingual Mexican American fifth-grade student, lacked confidence in her abilities in reading and language arts. However, her dialogue journal correspondence with her teacher in her native language of Spanish describing her transnational experiences demonstrated vivid, descriptive writing with…

NCTE's Framework for 21st Century Literacies (2008) prompted collaboration between a university professor and classroom teacher resulting in a professional inquiry project utilizing a Web 2.0 tool, Scrapblog, with fourth-grade students. This article describes implementation of this project, including both challenges and positive outcomes. The…

Considerable research indicates that high-stakes accountability policies have the capacity to influence language arts instruction, particularly in urban, high-needs schools where pressure to increase test scores tends to be most acute. This article utilizes Cultural Historical Activity Theory to critically examine the constraints and affordances…

This article (1) argues that literacy is being redefined as a result of the use of digital media, and (2) provides suggestions for policy makers, budget decision-makers, teachers, researchers, and interested others about literacy and language arts standards, assessment, and teaching related to "new literacies," including: (a) Maximize the…

This piece shares preservice teachers and instructors reflections on their perceptions of a course on Spanish language arts methods in Puerto Rico. The course was redesigned to focus on interrelated curricular and pedagogical aspects such as literacies as situated social practice, funds of knowledge, popular culture and critical literacy. In…

Literacy centers are widely used by teachers seen as being effective in promoting literacy (Pressley, Rankin, & Yokoi, 2000); yet little research has been completed on how or why they are effective. Based on the social cultural constructivist theory posited by Vygotsky (1978), and research theories of Dyson (1993), the peer dialogue at the…

This paper describes a collaborative relationship between a community member and an eighth grade English teacher that was documented through an ethnographic study during an entire school year. The community member taught a weekly poetry workshop where students are encouraged to take risks in their writing and also take a critical stance towards…

Discusses the literacy of teacher Ruth Madden and its relation to her unique approach to language arts teaching in the primary grades. (HTH)

Addresses the questions of how literacy is defined, by whom, and for what purposes, using critical literacy as a lens of analysis. Considers the "normative assumptions" that are present within the language arts curriculum. Suggests that any methodological approach to what it means to be a "literate" person is based on an…

This article examines the lives of four multilingual students, their classmates, and teacher as they use a range of semiotic systems to learn from, with, and about each other and their surrounding social worlds. Research reveals how literacy practices not only built on students' resources but also invited critique and change. (Contains 5 figures.)

Discusses how interviews with fifth-grade students about their literacy journeys--the experiences that led them to where they are now in reading and writing--gave great insight (to their teacher as well as to many other teachers) into what makes language arts instruction "take." Conveys the importance of authentic literacy experiences. (SR)

Introduces "Language Arts" readers to a remarkable and inspirational woman whose contributions over more than four decades added immeasurably to the understandings of children's oral language, critical reading, and writing. Lists multiple ways that Martha L. King's impact on the field of language arts is reflected. (SG)

Discusses what happens when students and teachers are encouraged to use multiple ways of knowing in mediating their experiences with the world. Suggests that a good language arts program expands the communication potential of all learners through the orchestration and use of multiple ways of knowing for purposes of ongoing interpretation and…

Presents a series of conversations with distinguished educator Brian Cambourne, recipient of the National Council of Teachers of English's Outstanding Educator award. Discusses learning to read, Cambourne's doctoral dissertation, why the conditions of learning are important, three categories of beliefs about "literacy," the politics of…

Discusses language and literacy learning, and some current language arts practices that warrant reconsideration. Describes and offers examples of the move away from oppositional discourses (set up by pedagogical debates) and to the "radical middle." Notes a move toward a third place where two normative patterns of interaction intersect, creating…