Describes an in-class exercise in which students listen to a piece of music (without lyrics), and then write about their responses. Notes that students learn that responding to literature is as natural as responding to music, and that they all have valid and unique reactions and connections to literature. (SR)

Offers brief descriptions from four teachers of middle school or high school students concerning how they have successfully used particular young-adult books in their English classrooms. (SR)

Presents brief descriptions of 45 books for children that can speak to the future for young readers through their concerns about growing up, ways to deal with changes, experiences that broaden their horizons, consideration of how the past can inform the future, and possibilities presented in fantasy. (SR)

Presents findings of a year-long study of a language arts portfolio-assessment system in a California middle school in which an external evaluation committee applied a rubric to student portfolios from three teachers' classes. Discusses reasons the school board chose not to adopt the portfolio system. Contains over 60 references. (SLD)

Presents the presidential address given at the 1998 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) conference. Looks at basic principles supported by NCTE historically. Notes the widespread belief that educational problems can be solved by mandating one particular solution, and asks what NCTE's role is in all of this. (SR)

Presents an example of a problem-solving opportunity found in a daily newspaper. Illustrates how the newspaper can supply problem-solving opportunities with connections to language arts, social studies, and science. (ASK)

Suggests that ELLA (English Language and Literacy Assessment ) implemented in New South Wales, Australia, fails four tests for sound diagnostic assessment set out in a standard reference (K.W. Howell et al. "Curriculum Based Evaluation")--tests for logicality, reliability, validity, and accuracy and practicality. (RS)

Claims that arguments about the invalidity, purposelessness, and misleading nature of ELLA (English Language and Literacy Assessment ) implemented in New South Wales, Australia, remain intact despite attempts to counter the arguments. Presents a detailed critique of arguments presented in an article in the previous of this journal supporting ELLA.…

Presents a futures wheel as a teaching tool that can be used to analyze science-related social issues. Provides an example to explain the development of the wheel. Lists topics that can be analyzed using the futures wheel. (YDS)

Discusses the value of contemporary literature and of teaching it, and notes related censorship issues. Describes how the work of contemporary authors Michael Dorris and Tim O'Brien teaches students about values, helping them reflect upon ancient questions regarding truth and reality. (SR)

Asserts that Alice Walker is one contemporary writer whose voice deserves to be heard in secondary English language arts classrooms. Suggests a number of class activities (dealing with imagery, organization, literary techniques, and writing and identity) for Walker's essay "In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens." (SR)

Uses the example of the Women's Journal Group to show how a personal, emotional commitment to a personally connected writing community will change that way a writer thinks, feels, and acts. Describes the beginnings of the Women's Journal Group, the members' differing backgrounds, goals, and expectations. Outlines the principles of multimedia…

Reading biographies will acquaint students with the contributions of African Americans in science, invention, and exploration. This article provides annotated bibliographies of collective and individual biographies; identifies sources of bulletin board and teaching materials and videotapes; and suggests class activities for individual and groups…

Presents suggestions for helping students learn to read and appreciate literature by tapping into their multiple intelligences (spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, mathematical-logical, interpersonal, verbal-linguistic, and intrapersonal). The paper describes the eight intelligences. A teacher reproducible sheet presents a multiple intelligences…

Describes a course for high school English teachers and librarians about using young adult literature. Discusses (1) the rationales, goals and objectives for using young adult literature; (2) novels studied in the course; (3) students' ideas for integrating literature into the secondary English classroom; and (4) ways to dismantle barriers to…