Describes an experimental Young Author's conference for secondary school students. Notes that bringing together young writers and professional authors provides incentive for writing, as well as an authentic audience and purpose. (RS)

Describes a one-day Exemplary Writers' Workshop designed to recognize the writing products of secondary students. Lists workshop goals: providing students with opportunities to interact with professional writers; letting students interact with higher education faculty; and providing students with information about becoming a published writer. (RS)

Discusses materials in the ERIC system that offer definitions of basic skills, describe secondary basic skills programs, and provide competency standards and catalogs for basic skills. (MKM)

Describes the Los Angeles Theatre Center's program, "Theatre as a Learning Tool," which brings students from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and educational backgrounds to see fully staged theatrical productions. Notes that the program integrates the plays into daily lesson plans in reading, writing, critical thinking, and communication…

Describes a whole school supplemental reading program for secondary schools based upon the development and use of a schoolwide reading list that includes titles of books, the types of teachers (chemistry, history, physical education, etc.) who sponsor the books, and the "linked courses" that bestow academic credit for each title. (SR)

Describes a research project to evaluate the progress of adult beginning readers. States that the project gave the authors insight into designing and carrying out research; broadened their understanding of how students learn about the learning process; enriched their teaching; and helped them view others' research in a new light. (RS)

Describes an alternative method of placing students in reading groups which reduces reliance on achievement tests, yet remains manageable enough for large groups of students. Describes the six formal and informal measures used in placement: achievement test scores, IQ scores, attitude scores, current placement, grade in reading, and teacher…