English Journal, Vol. 100, No. 5, May 2011

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Advances in Teaching English

• Call for Manuscripts

• From the Editor: Tips for Teachers to Publish in English Journal

  Ken Lindblom

• From the Secondary Section: Using the “Smallest Parts” to Build a National Community of Professionals

  Amy Magnafichi Lucas

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  Abstract: Members of the Secondary Section Steering Committee comment on topics of importance to English language arts educators.

• Speaking My Mind: con·cis·if·y (ken-sis-ef-i): v. To make concise.

  Richard A. Mitchell Jr.

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  Abstract: “Speaking My Mind” invites readers to speak out about controversial issues relevant to the teaching of English language arts.

• Not Reading: The 800-Pound Mockingbird in the Classroom

  William J. Broz

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  Abstract: Do your students accept your invitations to read, or do they decide to not read instead?

• Building Fantasy Worlds Together with Collaborative Writing: Creative, Social, and Pedagogic Challenges

  Ryan M. Rish and Joshua Caton

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  Abstract: An assignment inspired by fanfiction encourages students to create collaboratively designed fantasy worlds.

• Survivor: Satis House: Creating Classroom Community while Teaching Dickens in a Reality-TV World

  Joe Bucolo

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  Abstract: Engaging students in contemporary reality-show parodies based on Great Expectations, Bucolo helps students explore the intricacies of Dickens’s novel.

• Using Online Role-Play to Promote Collaborative Argument and Collective Action

  Candance Doerr-Stevens, Richard Beach, and Elizabeth Boeser

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  Abstract: Students use online role-play to collaborate and change real school policy.

• Career Portfolios: Whose Traditions Count?

  Ross Collin

• Seriously Popular: Rethinking 19th-Century American Literature through the Teaching of Popular Fiction

  Lauren Gatti

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  Abstract: Gatti’s students analyze differences between their own reading tastes and those of 19th-century readers, and in the process they breathe new life into several canonical texts.

• Tiered Texts: Supporting Knowledge and Language Learning for English Learners and Struggling Readers

  Barbara Moss, Diane Lapp, and Mary O’Shea

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  Abstract: Using snippets of engaging classroom dialogue, the authors highlight the value of teaching complex literary works by reading several texts at increasing levels of difficulty.

• Multimodal Literacies in the Secondary English Classroom

  William C. Sewell and Shawn Denton

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  Abstract: Technology-infused assignments—such as public service announcements, creating fictitious holidays, and writing music hall-of-fame induction speeches—can engagestudents’ creativity and critical thinking.

• The Power of the Listening Ear

  Robyn Campbell

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  Abstract: Do we spend enough time developing students’ listening skills?

• Reviewing Student Papers Electronically

  Spencer Dunford

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  Abstract: Dunford offers a primer on using Microsoft Word’s reviewing software to respond to student writing.

• A Relationship with Literature

  Tom Romano

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  Abstract: A well-known teacher and writer narrates his lifelong relationship with a major American poet.

• Two Voice Poem: A Conversation with Writers on Writing

  S. Rebecca Leigh and Ron Cramer

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  Abstract: In a unique format, the authors reference more than 30 well-known writers to raise issues about composition and teaching writing.

• Challenging Texts: Teaching Deliberately: Reading Henry David Thoreau’s Walden

  Andrea Davis

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  Abstract: "Challenging Texts" explores various ways of teaching literary theory to high school and middle school students.

• Innovative Writing Instruction: When It Happens “Across”: Writing as Transformative and Expansive

  Valerie Kinloch

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  Abstract: "Innovative Writing Instruction" publishes new approaches to the teaching of writing in high school and middle school.

• Mentoring Matters: Valuing Inexperience: Using Collegial Language to Support Novices

  Deborah Bieler

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  Abstract: "Mentoring Matters" focuses on effective ways to support new English teachers and student teachers.

• Research for the Classroom: Graphic Novels in the Classroom: Curriculum Design, Implementation, and Reflection

  Joanna Schmidt

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  Abstract: "Research for the Classroom" publishes mini-studies of ELA classroom practices and suggests ways in which high school and middle school English teachers may study the effectiveness of their pedagogy.

• Success with ELLs: Supporting ELLs Before, During, and After Reading

  Margo DelliCarpini

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  Abstract: "Success with ELLs" suggests effective approaches to teaching English language learners in ways that can be of benefit to all students in  mainstream middle and high school English classes.

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