Focuses on what the authors have learned from six exemplary teachers of writing who teach within high-stakes accountability systems. Notes that based on what they have seen in the teachers' classrooms and discussed with them and their students, their response to the reality of high-stakes testing is the need to "teach true and to the test in…

Examines 10 assertions about education from both the "common sense" perspective, and "cybernetics" or systems theory. Urges educators to examine unexamined assumptions. (MM)

Discusses current research and issues concerning multilingual learners, and makes suggestions for school programs addressing bilingualism and multilingualism. (MM)

Explores several concepts relevant to instructional materials that emerged from seminars sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association. Describes how basal readers--so prevalent in instruction--fall short of these concepts, and what can be done to improve instruction. (HTH)

Points out the many people who influence what goes on in classrooms, and relying on insights gained from research on language interaction, offers guidelines for communicating with these complex audiences--parents, administrators, policymakers, politicians, and the general public. (HTH)