Notes how current writing research models remain of limited usefulness to the study of writing development because they do not explain important conditions such as coherence, nor do they define the systematic relationships in writing contexts. (RL)

Reports on an exploratory study seeking to define broadly some indices of growth in writing. Notes that the comparison of last year high school and third year college students revealed a seeming lack of growth in rhetorical control but significant growth in the capacity to abstract to higher levels. (RL)

Explores student and teacher behavior in writing instruction as the "underlife" (behaviors that undercut the roles expected of participants in a situation) of the current educational system. Suggests that the identities students develop in writing classrooms are more conducive to academic success than the traditional identity of the…

Reports that vocabulary choice and linguistic virtuosity are closely tied to levels of writing skill, to cognitive development, and to self-concept. (RL)

Summarizes the essential research on the interrelationships of reading, response to literature, and composition. Shows that readers and writers are both creators of meaning. Discusses a plan by which students develop--and appreciate--their responses to literature and integrate the acts of reading and writing. (RL)

Describes an assignment sequence using photographs to introduce developmental students to conventions of academic inquiry, and to give them practice analyzing and synthesizing. Reports that students link details observed in the photos to inferences drawn about them. Concentrates on the assignment linking a photo of E. B. White with an essay by him…

Cites and annotates 79 scholarly articles in composition and rhetoric drawn from books, monographs, and periodicals published in 1985-86. Excludes reviews of individual books, textbooks, teaching guides (unless theoretically focused), historical surveys, and elementary-secondary education studies. Emphasizes writings on new approaches, theories,…