Author presents three examples of successful English units given as high school electives, notes the positive aspects of the elective program, and discusses accountability in terms of communication of objectives in English. (SP)

A discussion of potential and/or actual dangers" inherent in high schools' elective English programs. (RD)

Describes the institution, operation, and ultimate failure of a completely elective, ungraded minicourse system in a rural high school. (DD)

The purpose of this publication is to encourage and assist high schools in designing elective English courses and programs for grades 10 through 12. After pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of using electives, the discussion shifts to salient questions concerning the planning, construction, and implementation of elective courses and…

As the secondary school English elective curriculum developed in the 1960s and 1970s, it adhered to four major philosophical beliefs: the importance of student and teacher interest, the necessity for change and variety, the rejection of the core curriculum, and a dedication to relevance. These tenets determined the following characteristics…

This study presents some of the most frequent questions asked by teachers in Indiana concerning phase-elective English programs. Some answers to these questions were compiled by a committee appointed by the Indiana State Department of Public Instruction. The contributors reviewed published and unpublished articles and curriculum guides, as well as…

Article investigated the development of the English curriculum and the change toward which it is growing. (RK)

Covers an innovative elective program, views of language and language instruction, and attitudes toward English teachers and the English curriculum. (JL)

Intended as an aid to teachers of composition, this course guide focuses on the minimum essentials of writing included in elective courses at two general grade levels: 9-10 and 11-12. Emphasizing quality in composition rather than quantity, the guide provides a scheme of sequential composition experiences and suggests individualized instruction,…

In order to provide 11th and 12th grade English students (in both standard and academic classes) with a more stimulating set of course offerings, a program was developed which incorporates one required course, communication skills, to be taken during the first school quarter and three elective courses to be taken during the remainder of the school…

The secondary English curriculum outlined in this guide consists of a required course during the freshman year followed by three years in the elective program, during which each student is expected to complete a one semester course in each of the three basic areas of language, literature, and writing plus three more courses from any one area. This…

In part a rebuttal to an editorial written by Ronald Regan which appeared in the "Denver Post" stating that English teachers should go "back to the basics," this paper argues that rules without reason, drills without meanings, and writing and reading without imagination are mechanical exercises without expression of self. What English teachers…

Phase-elective programs in English enable students to become involved in making curriculum choices. In an evaluation of the elective programs offered in the Fort Wayne Community Schools, it was found that (1) seventy percent of the students enjoyed being allowed to pick their own English courses; (2) eighty-eight percent of the students found…

This paper describes a mini-modular program for the tenth grade. The program operates within a year-long course of study which covers all four of the language arts and groups students in classes heterogeneously so that skills and concepts can be taught to all students and special needs and interests handled as they arise and are identified.…