English Journal, Vol. 88, No. 1, September 1998

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Cross-Pollination: Working Together and Making It Work

• An Invitation to Success: Co-Teaching and Learning in English 9G

  Nancy Mellin McCracken and Natalie Sekicky

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  Abstract: Describes the collaboration between a third-year high school teacher and a seasoned education professor, in which the two traded places, coteaching each other's classes for the entire school year. Discusses getting started, what they expected and what they learned, long-term individual effects of collaboration, ensuring success, and collaboration for "survival."

  Keywords: Secondary, Pedagogy

• Getting it Right: Design Principles for Starting a Small-Scale School/College Collaboration

  David Leo-Nyquist and Bill Rich

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  Abstract: Describes a small-scale school/college partnership first from the teacher's lens and then from the teacher educator's lens. Discusses 13 critical issues that have emerged from two years of working together.

  Keywords: Secondary, Pedagogy

• In the Zone: Empowering Students and Teachers to Be Agents of Change

  Mary E. Heidorn and Brenda-Lee Rabine

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  Abstract: Describes a collaboration between two high school English teachers that linked sophomore and senior English classes in using literacy for real purposes in the "Magazines for Change" project. Discusses the process of collaboration between the teachers, and describes the project itself. Notes the many benefits that resulted, and describes how students' work was assessed.

  Keywords: Secondary, Literacy, Pedagogy

• Creating Literacy Communities: High School/University Partnerships

  Helen Dale and Carla Traun

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  Abstract: Describes how a high school English teacher and a university instructor of preservice teachers worked together to create cross-age student partnerships, in which the college students responded to the high school students' writing. Describes the project's evolution, benefits to the high school students, to the college students, and to both teachers.

  Keywords: Secondary, Pedagogy

• Mutual Mentoring: Designing and Teaching a Linked University/Secondary School Course on Literacy

  Eileen Landay

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  Abstract: Describes a collaboration between an innovative high school English course and a college-level course of literacy theory. Describes the collaboration, its goals and outcomes, and benefits. Discusses briefly resisting institutional hierarchies.

  Keywords: Secondary, Literacy, Pedagogy

• The Portfolio Research Project: A Successful School/Univerisity Collaboration

  Mary H. Sawyer

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  Abstract: Describes the Portfolio Research Project, a three-year research project ultimately involving 20 teachers of grades 6-12 from a variety of schools, in which teachers acted as primary researchers, developing their own research projects to explore the use of portfolios to assess literature learning. Describes what participants researched, how teachers were supported, and success of project. Notes ways teachers might become involved in a teacher-research group.

• Down the Street and Across the Grades: A High School/Elementary School Partnership

  Robert McBride Jr.

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  Abstract: Describes an ongoing partnership between a high school English teacher and two elementary school teachers. Discusses dividing the semester into three sections (relationship building, activities, and final projects). Outlines how the partnership started, the activities involved, and benefits to teachers and students. Argues that the partnership reawakened high school students' passion about language.

  Keywords: Elementary, Secondary, Pedagogy

• Building Bridges: Connecting High School and Elementary School through Short Story Writing

  Thomas J. Hickey and Aimee E. DeCoste

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  Abstract: Describes how a "tech prep" junior English class at a vocational-technical high school collaborated with a class of third graders, as the juniors wrote short stories based on topics generated by the third graders who then illustrated the stories. Discusses how both classes prepared and got started, and how all participants benefited. Offers tips for teachers.

  Keywords: Elementary, Secondary, Pedagogy, Writing

• Setting the Trap: Developing K-12 Standards for the English Language Arts

  Jeanetta Miller

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  Abstract: Describes the trial and error process over a three-year period in which a group of English teachers developed district-level content and performance standards for writing. Describes workshops which led to action research teams. Argues they did three things right: invented their own standards, shared the inventions with colleagues, and learned to live with paradigm shifts.

  Keywords: Secondary, Pedagogy, Research, Writing

• Working Together: Embracing International Partnerships

  Kurt Caswell

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  Abstract: Describes a collaborative project between a South Carolina History and Geography teacher of grades 7-8 and an American teacher of English-as-a-Second-Language in a Japanese high school. Describes class activities as students exchanged correspondence, sent packages, and finally met each other when the American students traveled to Japan. Notes continuing effects of the project.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Language, Pedagogy

• Implementing Speaking and Listening Standards: Information for English Teachers

  Nancy Rost Goulden

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  Abstract: States that many English teachers find themselves responsible for an expanded English curriculum that includes the (new) language arts of speaking and listening. Outlines practical ways teachers can incorporate appropriate instruction into a full curriculum. Offers specific information about the processes of informal speaking, formal speaking, speaking in small groups, and listening that teachers can use when planning instruction.

  Keywords: Secondary, Language, Pedagogy

• Playing with Subtext: Using Groucho to Teach Shakespeare

  John S. O'Connor

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  Abstract: Describes how a high school English teacher uses a Groucho Marx scene to help his students learn to read the subtext in Shakespeare plays of social context, characters' goals and desires, and obstacles standing in their way. Offers examples of skits students perform which make these subtexts explicit.

  Keywords: Secondary, Literature, Pedagogy

• From the Secondary Section: The Proposal Submission/Selection Process for National Conventions

  Carolyn Lott

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  Abstract: Explains the process that the Secondary Section planning group uses to select proposals for sessions that will be presented at NCTE's national conference. Answers the following questions: What Can You Do to Make Your Proposal Better? Who Is Involved in the Selection Process? How Does the Selection Process Operate? How Can Anyone Participate?

  Keywords: Secondary

• International English

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  Abstract: Explains the author's trip to a conference of English teachers in South Africa, focusing on how her time at the conference and during her travels afterward within South Africa (where teachers in local classrooms are struggling to help students communicate in a country that has 11 official languages) expanded her concept of literacy as a cultural concept.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Poetry

  William Greenway, Editor

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  Abstract: Describes activities of college students in a "Poets in Schools" program that brings college students together with students in elementary and secondary schools. Describes how the students devised poetry teaching exercises, and describes three of those exercises (a multimedia approach, using photos and postcards, and poems like trees). Shares poems written by students in response to the exercises.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Professional Links: Teaching Reading in Middle and Secondary Schools

  Louann Reid, editor

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  Abstract: Presents resources for secondary school reading teachers. Looks in depth at two books: "Into Focus: Understanding and Creating Middle School Readers," and "Mosaic of Thought: Teaching Reading Comprehension in a Reader's Workshop." Discusses three online resources about teaching reading and selecting materials (READPRO, "Reading Online," and the Children's Literature Web Guide).

  Keywords: Secondary

• Young Adult Literature: What Is Young Adult Literature?

  Chris Crowe, editor

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  Abstract: Outlines some of the many confusions about young adult literature. Sheds some light on what young adult literature is (defining it as all genres of literature published since 1967 that are written for and marketed to young adults). Discusses briefly how it can be used in schools. Offers a list of the author's 20 favorite books for teenagers.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Letters to EJ

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  Abstract: Available in print version only.

  Keywords: Secondary

• From the Editor

  Virginia R. Monseau

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Speaking My Mind: Freedom, Smut Surfing, and the Internet

  Lawrence A. Baines

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• CROSS CONVERSATIONS: What Do Teachers Need to Know to Better Understand Each Other’s Work?

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• INSIGHTS FOR INTERNS: First Day Fears

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• TEACHER TO TEACHER: How Do You Incorporate Concepts from Other Disciplines into Your Classroom?

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• ENGLISH IN THE NEWS

  BOBBI CIRIZA HOUTCHENS, EDITOR

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Talk About Books

  John Manear, editor

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

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