Presents questions and concerns of a teacher who served as a scoring assessor for the Early Adolescence/English Language Arts field test of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, run by the Educational Testing Service. (SR)

Describes using portfolio assessment in a language arts methods course. Discusses purposes for portfolios, steps in preparing them, an interim review process, and portfolio evaluation. (SR)

Argues that the unique interrelationship of art, reading, and writing offers teachers a variety of opportunities to nurture students' artistic imagination. Describes several strategies that can be used to explore images through writing and to explore images through reading. (SR)

Notes that performance and portfolio assessment are being used more widely and have gained acceptance as "good" assessment. Presents annotations of eight conference papers and other materials in the ERIC database concerning authentic literacy assessment. (RS)

Using video-recorded class activities, analyzes the teaching method used in a French grammar lesson given in Northern France to a class of 25 students of 6-7 years old. The "catechistic teaching style" employed involves an interactive question-and-answer format. Enumerates advantages and disadvantages of this style. (KS)

Reports on a teacher/researcher collaboration in a multicultural grade 1/2 classroom that instituted a community-oriented language arts program based on parental participation in the instruction. (RS)

Details the advantages of the use of dialog journals in language arts/reading methods courses for undergraduate and graduate students. Describes student reaction to the activity as indicated through free writing in their journals and on an anonymous questionnaire. Finds that dialog journals can play a positive role. (SR)

Presents reviews by elementary school classroom teachers of books that have had a significant impact on their teaching and the philosophical underpinning for their actions. Includes reviews of four books on literature, literacy, language arts, whole language, the holistic approach, and assessment. (PRA)

Examines group oral response to literature as a method of large-scale assessment with eighth graders. Finds that (1) the method is manageable for wide-scale testing; (2) the process simulates classroom conditions and activities closely; (3) the process allows for teacher input and participation; and (4) students find the activity enjoyable. (PRA)

"Lance" and "Leana" are two posterboard groundhog characters used in a language experience program with elementary students with mild disabilities. The activity provides an opportunity for students to brainstorm, organize their thoughts, and make complete sentences. Suggestions for construction, use, and adaptations are offered. (DB)

Presents a class activity which uses laminated pictures from art calendars, museums, and other sources as a stimulus for writing. (SR)

Investigates nationwide practices in language instruction, the nature of changes, and perceptions and reactions of teachers. Finds that 85% of teachers followed a curriculum guide; teachers appeared to react diversely to the philosophy of whole language; and whole language appeared to be gaining a foothold in suburban schools of approximately 300…

Differentiated instruction in speaking and listening skills for gifted students might involve an expanded range of opportunity, faster paced instruction, replacement of basic skills instruction with more advanced activities, opportunities for self-selection, individualization, and personal evaluation. Activities that emphasize cognitive and…

Presents comparisons between the traditional curriculum and the essential learnings curriculum implemented at the Moss Point School District in Moss Point, Mississippi. Describes in detail the curriculum transformation process. Provides insight into the role of technology in the reading/language arts curriculum. (RS)

Describes a full-time, six-week block which immerses preservice teachers in a self-directed, collaborative, transdisciplinary learning adventure that they translate into a teaching adventure. Shares a vision of what teacher education can be by describing examples of learning contexts, the supportive curriculum model, and the effects these…