As Brian Huot and Ellen E. Schendel assert, when assessment has more than validation in mind, it "can become a means for proactive change" (208). In response to this idea of assessment as an optimistic and opportunistic enterprise, this article describes how the structural design of our "equal opportunity" writing program and…

This video workshop for elementary school teachers uses classroom footage to demonstrate how a writing workshop approach motivates intermediate students and helps them become proficient and independent writers. Ten teachers from across the country model teaching strategies and share reflections on their practice. Six nationally known experts in…

At Springfield Technical High School (Massachusetts) tenth grade students are required to spend three six-week periods in writing laboratory classes. As the students write, the teacher moves from student to student for short conferences, checking with each student twice during each class period. Students proceed in a three-step process and are…

Describes a program for teaching writing as an integral part of college sociology classes. Students do frequent free-writing exercises, participate in small weekly writing groups, and compose final papers. Suggestions for implementation are offered. (AM)

Describes an end-of-the-term project in which students were encouraged to write for a specific, actual audience. (FL)

Describes a quick new academic readability estimate; ways to correct adult learners' writing errors; and high school reading programs in Ohio. (RS)

Describes a cross-age literacy program involving first- and fourth-grade students. Discusses tutorial activities, subject-matter acquisition activities, reading and creative dramatics activities, and writing and book making activities. Notes that the motivation, enthusiasm, and practice the program provided was more than expected. (RS)

Describes an award-winning program that integrates art throughout every stage of the writing process. Suggests that the program provides an alternative pathway into writing for children with diverse learning styles. Discusses research supporting the effectiveness of the program. (RS)

Considers the benefits for kindergarten through college teachers of a two-week interdisciplinary institute called the "Truckee River Community Project." Outlines the objectives and methods of this project, which focused on an intensive study of the Truckee River of the High Sierras in Nevada. Argues for the value of the personal…

Argues that, since there is no single answer to literacy education for all children, balanced literacy programs are necessary. Discusses the importance of and describes the characteristics of a balanced literacy program. Uses those characteristics to show how literature-response groups can be part but not all of a balanced literacy program. (SR)

The accomplishments of a team of writers, designers, and education specialists commissioned by the National Institute of Education (NIE) to suggest solutions to the problems that public documents often pose for readers are summarized in this report. Following an overview, the report offers a section on the history and rationale of the Document…

Focuses on how writing center directors can use the resource of peer tutors and discusses the rationale for, the selection of, and the evaluation of tutor applicants. (AEA)

Describes the writing experiences of a group of gifted fifth and sixth grade students in the Active Learning Experiences in Resourceful Thinking (ALERT) program in Abilene, Texas. (HTH)

The goals and objectives of a college library instruction program should be developed jointly by library staff and composition faculty. Such a program should (1) attempt to overcome student insecurity and confusion about conducting research; (2) focus on tools and skills necessary at each university level; (3) emphasize the unique aspects of the…

Describes the Thinking Network approach and the cognitive mapping strategy used in a rural Mississippi school district to increase students' content acquisition and theme conceptualization of textbook units. Notes that the district's pass rate for state-mandated written communication, reading comprehension, and written essay tests dramatically…