Describes the project "Expanding Literacy for All" which was designed to promote the literacy skills of 13 adults and 36 third graders in Texas. Finds that, when third grade students and illiterate adults become pen pals, both groups learn more about what it means to enter the community of readers and writers. (PRA)

Describes the design and implication of a 10-week unit for third and fourth graders using QARs (Question-Answer-Relationships) to integrate reading and writing tasks and prepare for standardized tests. Concludes that the student-friendly model described here is easy to implement and can be customized for any classroom and grade level. (SG)