Examines a literature and reading research project involving an English education professor, a middle-school teacher, and her gifted seventh-grade students. Suggests that the class's homogeneity was a deterrent in the learning process and that students need more opportunities for independent and group research that requires extensive problem…

Data on 153 assignments prepared by teacher candidates who designed academic adaptations found both elementary and secondary adaptations were most likely to be carried out with students in the lowest grades. Students were most likely to have learning disabilities, and Language Arts, Reading, and English lessons were most likely adapted. (Contains…

A teacher in the English education program at Buffalo State College describes her development of Web-based literature guides for preservice teachers to use in preparation and student teaching and for secondary-level English/language arts teachers to use in their classrooms. Discusses assembling materials for the web guide; an overview of site…

Evaluates college students' attitudes concerning their high school English and journalism courses and their college-level journalism instruction. Reports students' belief that high school journalism provided their best training in many of the 29 language arts competencies studied. (SG)

The experiences of two Colorado high school English teachers (one public and one private) are compared. Although the schools are similar socioeconomically, many differences impact the job, teacher responsibilities, and quality of life. In general, the private school allows more teacher creativity and individual time with students. (SM)

Describes an experimental, team-taught, low level ninth grade English class which emphasized writing. Discusses students, their writing, the use of journal writing, ability grouping, and what the classroom environment was like. Notes that students improved in all their other classes during the semester they spent in this class. (SR)

Presents "Beastly Thoughts," a holistic writing module designed to involve students in decision-making processes about socially relevant issues regarding animals. Provides 48 activities for investigation and lists 33 references for possible book reviews. Includes 38 references. (MVL)

Critiques the practice of conforming to Standard English when teaching writing. Argues that when more attention is paid to form than to content, students' words and thoughts become devalued. Emphasizes the need to teach students to hold their own voices sacred, and discusses instructional strategies which encourage this attitude. (MM)

Describes how an intensive journalistic writing course motivated students by combining journalistic writing with a school-history research project. (MM)

A retired professor of English education recalls the challenge her student teachers faced at urban junior high school with reading norms two years below average. The student teachers based their instructional program on the particular characteristics of their students' lives and homes, rather than on formal learning theories, and brought the…

Suggests the following small group activities for improving reading comprehension: (1) introductory activities; (2) studying symbolic episodes; (3) synthesizing ideas within a literary unit; and (4) weaning students from teacher dependence. (JAD)

Focuses on how parents and teachers can help bring nonnative English-speaking children become literate in both their native language and in English. The activities most likely to ensure success in achieving these goals are those which can be done with the materials at hand in the context of normal daily living and in which everyone is happy to…

Detailed text analysis was used to examine the expository writing patterns of four academically successful African American high school students. These bidialectic students brought culturally influenced text design patterns into the classroom. Implications for writing instruction for culturally diverse students are discussed. (SLD)

This article describes techniques used to teach English to a 16-year-old Hispanic who is deaf. The educational plan involved vocabulary development, noting similarities and differences between Spanish and English, use of a language experience approach with principles of Sheltered English, and respect for the student's native language and culture.…

Analyzes the case of a Vietnamese-speaking science student who has repeatedly failed an English competency examination that analyzes essay content, rhetorical organization, and preparation for writing. Raises questions regarding the purposes, development, and evaluation of writing competency tests. (RDS)