If English teachers are going to clean up language and strive toward literacy, they need to stop using phrases that are meaningless, such as "prior knowledge,""dyslexia,""learning disabilities," and "at-risk." The persistent misuse of language moves the United States closer to becoming a remedial nation. What is needed is to teach students to think simply and clearly. Teachers need to teach reading and writing literacy within the framework of other literacies--civic literacy, computer literacy, economic literacy, ethical literacy, and scientific literacy. Many of the strategies to raise literacy levels are the same for inner- and outer-cities. Miami University of Ohio began a Teens for Literacy program in which teams of four or five youngsters (from minority and majority backgrounds with some leadership abilities) come up with ideas to improve literacy in their schools. Over three years, the teens have developed a Big Brother/Big Sister Reading program, produced videos promoting literacy, and arranged for the setting up of a billboard encouraging literacy. While the program can be started without money, the Miami University spends approximately $1,500 for each school. Developers of the program plan to add a school a year to the six schools already involved in the program. There are many ways to improve literacy in inner- and outer-cities: keeping language simple, challenging students, involving them in their education, including parents, customizing teaching to the cultural mosaic, using common and uncommon sense, and clarifying the role of principals. (RS)