English Journal, Vol. 86, No. 2, February 1997

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Censorship

• Censorship and the Myth of Appropriateness: Reflections on Teaching Reading in High School

  Vicky Greenbaum

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  Abstract: Asks whether teachers should teach the art of insightful reading or live in fear of parents and other well-meaning arbiters who may bar Shakespeare and other challenging texts from the curriculum. Examines the meaning of censorship, what censors fear, and the possibility of discussing mature topics with secondary school students.

  Keywords: Literature, School-Community Relation, Secondary

• "Filth" and "Pure Filth" in Our Schools-Censorship of Classroom Books in the Last Ten Years

  Ken Donelson

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  Abstract: Presents a list of books that were protested/attacked/censored at least three times between 1986 and 1995, culled from the American Library Association's "Newsletter on Intellectual Freedom." Discusses the limitations of any survey and standards for censorship.

  Keywords: Literature, Reading, School-Community Relation, Secondary

• Censorship-When Things Get Hazy

  Charles Suhor

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  Abstract: Examines some of the hazy areas involving censorship and sanctions for teachers who teach censored material or who violate none-too-clear school district rules or procedures. Looks also at clear cases of poor judgement on the part of teachers.

  Keywords: School-Community Relation, Secondary

• The Teacher's Nightmare: Getting Fired for Good Teaching

  Cissy Lacks

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  Abstract: Contains a summary of the events leading to the firing of teacher Cissy Lacks and her successful court battle to win her job back with compensations. Presents Lacks' own reflections on censorship, discrimination, tenure, publicity, legal representation, and constitutional issues.

  Keywords: School-Community Relation, Secondary

• Censorship: It Happened to Me in Southwest Virginia-It Could Happen to You

  Marion McAdoo Goldwasser

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  Abstract: Recounts the story of how a teacher in southwestern Virginia was attacked for her decision to order and teach Clyde Edgerton's "The Floatplane Notebooks," a book her class chose and voted to purchase.

  Keywords: Literature, School-Community Relation, Secondary

• Censorship, Anti-Semitism, and "The Merchant of Venice"

  Robert J. Wilson

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  Abstract: Examines some of the issues surrounding a school district's decision to remove Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice from the list of books in the high school English curriculum.

  Keywords: Literature, School-Community Relation, Secondary

• Grappling with Grendel or What We Did When the Censors Came

  Kenneth L. Zeeman

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  Abstract: Reviews the events and issues surrounding a parent-driven attempt to ban John Gardener's "Grendel" from the high school curriculum on the grounds that it would corrupt the young morally.

  Keywords: Literature, School-Community Relation, Secondary

• Words Worth 1,000 Pictures: Confronting Film Censorship

  Edward A. Kearns

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  Abstract: Reviews a case of censorship of the film "1900" and suggests that teachers and scholars are not prepared to defend the viewing of legitimate and appropriate films against censorship campaigns. Examines the meaning of "community standards" and the relationship to state or national standards.

  Keywords: School-Community Relation, Secondary

• What Happens When a High School Censors

  Susan M. Kochman

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  Abstract: Recounts events surrounding a superintendent's decision to confiscate an anthology from a senior English literature course because of a few words in one of the poems.

  Keywords: School-Community Relation, Secondary

• A New Fashioned Book Burning

  Robert Gardner

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  Abstract: Reports on results of a teacher's experiment in book burning as a lesson accompanying the teaching of Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. Discusses student reactions and the purpose of or justification for the experimental lesson.

  Keywords: Literature, School-Community Relation, Secondary

• Introducing Censorship: One Teacher's Approach

  Charles M. Ellenbogen

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  Abstract: Describes how a teacher used Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee's play "Inherit the Wind," dealing with the evolution versus creation controversy, as a medium for teaching censorship issues in a Nashville, Tennessee junior high school Language Arts and Literature class.

  Keywords: Literature, School-Community Relation, Secondary

• Banned Books: A Study of Censorship

  Jennifer Rossuck

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  Abstract: Describes how a course on censorship taught at an all-girls high school in Tacoma, Washington, drew on current event controversies to initiate discussion. Outlines the course's four units and uses Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" to frame course questions.

  Keywords: Literature, School-Community Relation, Secondary

• Teaching Ideas

  Robert Redmon

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  Abstract: Contains two articles on writing instruction: the first shows how the prospect of student publishing inspires students to try new forms of writing; the second explains a marking system that encourages students to see the importance of the content in their writing.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Resources and Reviews: Considering an Important Educational Juncture

  Bonnie Ericson

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Letters to EJ

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  Abstract: Letters to EJ Available in print issue only.

  Keywords: Secondary

• From the Editor

  Virginia R. Monseau

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• In Memoriam: Alan C. Purves; James P. Moffett

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• One Person's Opinion: The Underlying Purpose in Teaching English

  J. N. Hook

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Software: More Internet Resources for the English Teacher

  Mary Tyler Knowles

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Bedside Table: Tailors Struggle in India

  Patricia Goldblatt

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• This World of English

  Daniel A. Heller

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• RainbowTeachers/Rainbow Students: Reflections: "Why Can't I?"

  Lisa Horne

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  Abstract: Presents the reflections of a young African American school teacher as she considers her role as a role model and mentor, especially to those of her race and gender.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Global Issues: Disequilibrium in the Classroom: Spanish and American Settings

  Begoña Sio-Castiñeira

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  Abstract: Suggests that the contrasting cultural and material circumstances of children in the United States and Spain contribute to their relative capacities for critical thinking and discussion. Suggests that Spanish adolescents hesitate to take a stand without openly discussing their feelings, while North American students hate discussion that wanders into the unknown.

  Keywords: Secondary

• New Teachers: Mixing Memory and Desire: Some Reflections on Student Teaching and Teacher Education

  Josh M. Slifkin

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  Abstract: Details the history of California's experience with large-scale writing assessment. Describes the introduction, development, and scoring of the California Assessment Program, later renamed the California Learning Assessment System (CLAS). Discusses controversies over removal of certain writing prompts and objections to CLAS. Notes that funding for CLAS was vetoed in 1994.

  Keywords: Secondary

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