The educational practices and theories of linguists and educators concerning speakers of Black dialect are discussed in terms of three varying perspectives: (1) eradication; (2) bidialectalism; and, (3) appreciation of dialect differences. An arguement for the latter view is made and a list of suggestions relative to language instruction is…

Discusses historical and contemporary issues surrounding the debate about the Oakland (California) public schools proposal on the teaching of Ebonics and suggests lessons to be learned from it. Chief among these lessons is the need to identify strategies for teaching Standard English that validate the students' own language and culture. (SLD)

Using the example of the African-American community and its own distinctive voice, argues that schools can draw upon routine practices within the cultural life of communities to enhance the literature students' skills. This paper explores "signifying" and links between literature and talk in the African-American community. (JB)