Discusses the influence of a summer institute on the development of an American Literature curriculum for middle school. Notes resulting teaching strategies include: researching archives with students to supplement textbook material; providing field trips; creating personal archival collections with students; pairing texts; and mixing media from…

Presents reflections of a veteran teacher about the relationship between veteran and new teachers; about the trends of change in educational approaches; and about the benefit of summer programs for teachers. Shares some opinions about educational issues, such as standardized testing and busing. (TB)