Reviews the history of education in the United States, focusing on student control opportunities in writing instruction. Observes that, contrary to literature on the subject, student ownership of written work may not always be the appropriate or best possible alternative. (MM)

Looks critically at the theoretical and ideological underpinnings of the practice of story mapping. Discovers a deep contradiction between the author's definition of reading as a constructive process and the reductionist nature of story mapping, which inhibits students' potential to explore a diverse range of personal responses by promoting…