Argues that the English language arts can play a major role in arriving at practical coherence in school curricula because of the unique nature of the discipline and the unique integrative role of language in human experience. Discusses literature in interdisciplinary English and the contributions of English to interdisciplinary curriculum. (SR)

Addresses the need to extend the conversation about critical literacy narratives beyond the composition classroom. Argues that students who plan to enter careers that will require them to produce and distribute written materials benefit greatly from an examination of literacy events in their lives. Describes a pedagogical exercise that attempts to…

Tells the story of one English department's struggle over curriculum controversies and the implications of that struggle for the integrity of specific teachers' classroom curriculum and the literary education of their students. (TB)

Argues that the literal and cultural "text" of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) calls into question the entire project of teaching English at the secondary level in this country. Teases out the connection between the study of NAFTA and the study of text and what it might mean for the teaching of English in the next…

Reports on a study that attempted to determine the current, actual place of Bible literature in high school English classes and the reasons that affect its place. Finds that Bible literature seems to play an extremely small role in high school literature programs. (TB)

Explores the cultural politics of writing about English curriculum and pedagogy, focusing on the author's role as the editor of this journal. Describes his role as editor as one of providing a discursive space in which English teachers and literacy educators can begin to write about their work. (SG)

Provides a rationale for using fiction and drama to promote critical thinking. Presents a sample grid used to record answers to and interpretations of six questions which can be used in class discussion to bring out critical thinking dispositions, such as the ability to determine whether a generalization is warranted. (RS)

The recent publication of attainment standards in English for British students under the 1988 Education Reform Act is critiqued. Provisions and the recommended course of study are excerpted from the report. The report is criticized for failing to recognize existing good practice and not acknowledging the paramount importance of the individual…

Criticizes the attainment targets of Great Britain's National Curriculum English. Laments the division of English potentially present in the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) syllabi. (MM)

Offers six predictions on the interrelated development of film technology and film study in the teaching of English. Sees the instructional centrality of the video cassette recorder in the near future, progressing to microcomputers, laser disks, and hybrid spoken-written-graphic text. (MM)

Summarizes sources on popular culture which can be used in designing a composition course centered around a mass culture theme. (MM)

Discusses preparing students for college admission requirements, specifically outlining desired English curriculum for college admission credit and suggesting how to advise students. One high school's English curriculum options are appended, as is a list of 56 colleges and universities surveyed to find out what they expect from high school English…

Describes how to incorporate literature by women from many parts of the globe into the English curriculum. (MM)

Contends that developing a semester-long independent study project is a useful way to motivate students. Argues that giving student the choice and responsibility for selecting a topic of study is highly motivating. (HB)

Discusses the false dichotomy pitting aesthetic power against political complicity in literary criticism. Considers the sexual politics of the household of Nathaniel Hawthorne in light of this opposition. Suggests how literary works keep warring voices and inner conflicts alive and at odds. (HB)