English Education, Vol. 32, No. 4, July 2000

Table of Contents

• Muted Dialogues: Seeking a Discourse for Preparing to Teach across Race, Class, and Language

  Nancy Mellin McCracken

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Notes that it has not been easy to find a discourse to address the ways that unexamined attitudes about race, class, language, and gender perpetuate failure in schools. Describes briefly the work of the Committee on English Education's Commission on Teacher Education for Teachers of Urban, Rural, and Suburban Students of Color and the attempts to publish its report.

  Keywords: College, Diversity

• Preparing English Teachers to Teach Diverse Student Populations: Beliefs, Challenges, Proposals for Change

  Lois Matz Rosen and Dawn Abt-Perkins

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Argues a need for in-depth consideration of principles and practices to prepare teachers for classrooms they will face in the future. Notes problems created by the disparity between increasing student diversity and their overwhelmingly white, female English/language arts teachers. Provides an overview of the issues involved and practical ideas for programs or courses. Appends a 47-item annotated bibliography.

  Keywords: College

• Keeping It Real: Teaching and Learning about Culture, Literacy, and Respect

  Arlette Ingram Willis

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Describes one teacher education program designed to broaden students' thinking about the influences of culture in society, and teaching and learning about literacy. Offers an "unromanticized glimpse" into the lives of teacher education students as they struggle to come to terms with their transformation as literacy educators preparing to teach literacy in multiracial, multiethnic, multilingual classrooms of the 21st century.

  Keywords: College

• Learning to See: White

  Marcella Fleischman Pixley and Laura Schneider VanDerPloeg

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Describes a program wherein two middle school classes representing widely different cultural backgrounds discussed online the subject of race and diversity. Finds that because of the dialogue (1) students were willing to meet each other and benefit from the meetings; and (2) teachers learned the value of examining the effects that their own whiteness had on discussions about race.

  Keywords: College

• Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century

  Kris Gutiérrez

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Suggests that the current frameworks for language instruction have become unproductive models in practice. Claims teachers should be provided ongoing opportunities to understand the role of culture in learning, particularly in language and literacy development. Offers recommendations based on studies of effective literacy practices in urban schools with large numbers of English Language Learners.

  Keywords: College

• Spinning the Web: Relationships, Talk, and Learning in a Diverse Classroom

  Cammie Kim Puidokas

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Presents concerns of a middle school teacher regarding the possibility that programs designed to enhance teachers' cultural sensitivity might inadvertently serve to emphasize the differences between white teachers and their students of color. Relates how her students dealt with the use of racial epithets by other students.

  Keywords: College

• Understanding in the Most Fundamental Way

  Carol Lee

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Argues that more is needed than a generic, Euro-centric, or culture specific set of teaching strategies to address the issue of equity in schools. Offers a critical perspective on the working principles articulated in the report of a special commission on how best to prepare English teachers to work effectively with increasingly diverse students.

  Keywords: College

• Editorial: Mapping Differences, Telling Tales

  David Schaafsma, Ruth Vinz, and Randi Dickson

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: College

* Journal articles are provided in PDF format and can be opened using the free Adobe® Reader® program or a comparable viewer. Click here to download and install the most recent version of Adobe Reader.