In this article Deidre Faughey shares an experimental classroom project that she developed with a diverse group of students in three ninth-grade English Language Arts (ELA) classes. Podcasts provide a unique opportunity for students to embrace experimentation and to take risks with their own voices, explore the school building and community, and…

According to the author, prior to a move, their classroom was overflowing with stuff on the walls, on the shelves, under the tables, in the file cabinets, and in the folders upon folders in their computer drive. It wasn't just the author's physical and virtual spaces that were full; their curriculum units were packed with lessons and activities,…

According to the author, as our abilities to combine image and text become more sophisticated and ubiquitous, digital storytelling is a powerful means for sharing those stories. Digital storytelling is a perfect way to remix stories. To present American literature as relevant to students' lives, the author rewrote their curriculum using backwards…

According to the authors, teachers often read about inspiring lessons in which historically marginalized students find their voices through assignments and projects that centralize issues of importance to the student. This article describes the authors' revision of a persuasive writing unit to scaffold not only writing skills but also students'…

An English teacher and a math teacher collaborating to improve practices in classroom discussion develop a problem-solving method that steers students away from seeking simple solutions and into an understanding of the complexity and nature of problems.

Points out weaknesses in research studies purporting to show that there is no transfer value to the teaching of grammar; presents 21 pointers to aid in establishing a good grammar program. (DD)

The importance of high school students having many kinds of writing experiences is stressed. These experiences include writing to" himself, for" himself, to" others, for" others, and with" others. (Author/LF)

Presents a rationale for teaching writing in today's multi-media, electronic age and suggests teaching techniques for improving writing skills. (RB)

Describes experiences teaching advanced reading and writing at a school for juvenile offenders. (EL)

Considers how many times the English curricula overlooks the necessity for thorough revision by stressing quantity over quality. Discusses how teachers can fully integrate the writing process between various projects, tests and quizzes, and the examination of literary works to improve their students' writing skills without straying too far from…

Author makes the case for starting in high school to improve the literacy and communication skills of students destined for scientific/technological careers. Detailed course program and extensive bibliography included. (PD)

Discusses "invisible thinking" (responsive critical analysis inseparable from content) and "hypertext" (multilayered multimedia, computer-accessed compilation of data and visual images). Argues that a curriculum focusing on these concepts is more effective in teaching the basics of initial skill mastery and the "higher…

Offers a historical perspective on English instruction and suggests some modes of reintegrating communication skills and literature. (MM)

Argues that national policy has imposed on American public education four different standards of literacy, each one more demanding than the one preceding it--signature, recitation, comprehension, and application. Suggests, also, that each standard, which had its root cause in the nation's economy and social structure, was initially applied only to…