The approach to the study of black English usage that is based on a theory of linguistic differences between blacks and whites is inadequate, because it ignores the socioeconomic aspects of dialects. It does not resolve the problems that exist in schools for students who use black English regularly. The issue is made more complex since linguistics…

There is a difference between learning a second language and learning a second dialect; the English as a second language (ESL) program should be limited to teaching English to students who do not already know English. Although there are not enough ESL programs, there is also a problem that some students are receiving ESL instruction even though…

As part of an effort to help coordinate information flow (and thus, future research activities), this fourth Inventory of Projects and Activities in Reading and English continues to report (1) action programs seeking to exploit advances in linguistic science and related fields, (2) projects seeking to explore ways of handling the special language…

This study focuses upon problems of language and reading disability among disadvantaged pupils in elementary and secondary school. Separate sections consider the evidence that such disabilities are a continuing problem; review remedial practices and existing programs; examine federal, state, and local programs aimed at such problems; formulate new…

Compares teacher expectations for Black children who speak Black Dialect with Black children who speak Standard English. Concludes that teachers expect significantly greater overall academic achievement, reading success, and intelligence from children who speak Standard English. (MM)

Presents evidence to show that the development and institutionalization of non-native varieties of English around the world pose a serious problem for all existing theories of second language acquisition. The issues that need to be addressed in future research are clearly defined. (Author/SED)

These Proceedings document an educational research forum held at Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) on December 8, 2004. Table of contents and 26 research studies of high school teaching are included. Studies include: The Use of Authentic Materials in the K-12 French Program (Katherine Elizabeth Baird), Surveying Students: What…

Seven contributors write concerning (1) parent involvement in reading, (2) selecting reading materials, (3) the language experience approach with a microcomputer, (4) idea books for content area teachers, (5) cloze procedure and dialect speakers, (6) developing library skills, and (7) a reading and writing program that developed from a lunch…

Focuses on questions of language use in the classroom and how a teacher's attitudes about language will affect students' learning. (RL)

Examines Anglo- and Asian-American attitudes toward Mandarin Chinese-accented English. Studies involving 135 undergraduates reveal no negative attitudes toward a Chinese-accented speaker during a job interview, but do find negative attitudes within the college classroom. Results show a need to better understand the role of context in shaping…

Analyzes the "deficit theory," which suggests that children from lower socioeconomic environments enter school without the linguistic resources needed for success. Suggests that teachers avoid labeling children as verbally inept when their language does not conform to the teacher's linguistic model. (MM)

Via a Speak Aloud and Write protocol methodology, this study investigated the characteristics of the wording formulation process of a select group of 7 African American students in freshman composition who claimed nonstandard features were active at least 30% to 40% of the time while they composed their papers. Control of rhetorical context was…

This guide to improving cross-cultural communication is the second part of a four-part series addressing the essential characteristics of effective instruction that have a positive impact on the academic achievement of Black and Hispanic students. Since schools tend to reflect the norms and values of the majority culture, cultural…

Basic writers are defined as those whose home dialects are least like standard English. Given that all dialects of English are capable of conveying complex thought, the question facing educators is, Should students be made to learn and work in standard English, or should they be given the opportunity to express themselves in their home dialect?…

Issues related to teaching for communicative competence in a second language are discussed: the implications of accepting a nonnative "accommodation" variety of English as a model for teaching and learning; important shifts in thinking among second language speakers; the effects of nationalism and national language development on second…