English Journal, Vol. 88, No. 2, November 1998

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: A Classroom Kaleidoscope

• Ten of My Writing Commandments

  Julia Alvarez

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  Abstract: Presents the author's (she is a well known poet, essayist, and fiction writer) 10 commandments of writing that portray writing as a moral force, an ethical practice, and also mundane plain and simple hard work. The commandments are in the form of quotes from famous writers.

  Keywords: Secondary, Writing

• Bad Boys, Bad Girls, Whatcha Gonna Do! Teenage Outlaws Create Curriculum

  Beth O. Steffen

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  Abstract: Describes a student-conceived, student-executed class research project carried out in a high school English class in which students investigated the issue of teenagers and the law. Notes the enthusiastic work contributed by students otherwise largely hostile to school, some of whom skipped all of their classes except English that term.

  Keywords: Secondary, Pedagogy, Research

• Leaving Home

  Randi Dickson

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  Abstract: Describes ninth-grade English classes interviewing international students regarding their experiences and feelings about the journeys that brought them to the United States. Discusses how students from diverse cultures began to know one another, and how the gathering and them publication of these stories helped faculty, administration, and students grow in awareness and respect.

  Keywords: Secondary, Diversity, Pedagogy

• Check Out the Real America: Many Hued, Many Tongued, and Many Storied

  Anne Fairbrother

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  Abstract: Describes how a high school English teacher went looking for and found Mexican-, Filipino-, African-, European-, and Native-American Literature, in order to bring all her students' worlds and voices into the classroom. Argues that all students must be included in an education that socializes them to a multicultural rather than a monocultural America.

  Keywords: Secondary, Diversity, Literature, Pedagogy

• To Follow Your Heart: Coming Out through Literacy

  Deborah Jean Kinder

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  Abstract: Describes the experience of a high school English teacher as she respectfully "witnessed" one student's anguished questioning, search, and finding her (the student's) sexual orientation. Relates how the teacher was a supportive listener and offered the student literacy as a means of finding and creating herself.

  Keywords: Secondary, Diversity, Pedagogy

• Experience and Acceptance of Postcolonial Literature in the High School English Class

  Patricia F. Goldblatt

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  Abstract: Describes how a high school English teacher in Toronto took a class for gifted students called "Third World Literature" and reshaped it into a class on "Postcolonial Literature." Discusses students' initial resistance; describes the activities and projects by which students engaged with this literature; and notes their eventual enthusiasm for learning about others and finding themselves through this literature.

  Keywords: Secondary, Literature, Pedagogy

• Language, Literature, and Learning in the ESL Classroom

  Mary Kooy and Annette Chiu

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  Abstract: Argues that English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teaching should begin with meaning through immersion in literature and incorporate language study. Describes offering an inclusive sampling of North American literature. Notes specific picture book, drama, short story, novel, and poetry titles. Discusses ways to meaningfully engage ESL students in texts and in discussion with an eye to improving their language and literary skills.

  Keywords: Secondary, Language, Literature

• Using Reader Response to Teach "Beloved" in a High School American Studies Classroom

  Rene Matthews and Robin Chandler

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  Abstract: Discusses why two high school teachers in Kentucky teach the novel "Beloved" by Toni Morrison, discussing their beginnings, their experiences, their approach, and their goals and criteria. Discusses prereading, reading, and postreading activities. Discusses concerns raised by teachers regarding student maturity and parental approval, and outlines why they will continue to teach "Beloved."

  Keywords: Secondary, Literature, Pedagogy, Reading

• Multiculturally Challenged

  Gigi Jasper

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  Abstract: Voices the lament and the anger of a lone black teacher in an all-white school district in Wyoming trying to teach the "other" while simultaneously representing the "other."

  Keywords: Secondary, Diversity

• Re-Seeing Our Professional Face(s)

  Gail Y. Okawa

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  Abstract: In this article, Gail Y. Okawa discusses America’s “monoculturalism and ‘cultural myopia’,” how these affect teachers of color whom we so need as members of our profession, and how one teacher of color struggled to become a language arts teacher.

  Keywords: Secondary, Diversity, Writing

• From the Secondary Section: "But I'm Not a Reading Teacher": The Lament of the Middle and High School Teacher

  Charleen Silva Delfino

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  Abstract: Discusses the dilemmas faced by middle and high school teachers whose students are struggling to read, yet whose training does not prepare them to solve this problem. Describes the Reading Initiative, a program that will support teacher development through study groups to help teachers improve both the teaching and learning of reading through ongoing, intensive, systematic professional development.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Cross Conversations

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  Abstract: Presents a conversation between the teacher of a first-year college composition course and a high school English/language arts teacher regarding what they do in the college composition course. Offers students' insights and suggestions about how they might most effectively be prepared for such a course.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Teacher to Teacher

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  Abstract: Presents 13 short descriptions from 13 different English teachers describing the most effective writing assignment they have ever given.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Young Adult Literature: Finding Common Ground: Multicultural YA Literature

  Chris Crowe, editor

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  Abstract: Argues that multicultural young adult literature can help to break down prejudices and broaden narrow minds. Notes that good books about people from various ethnic groups engage readers in the compounded conflicts of adolescence while helping teenagers discover that they have much in common with their fellow human beings. Notes briefly nine young adult books worth reading.

  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: A Community-Centered Approach to Multicultural Instruction

  James C. Jupp

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• INSIGHTS FOR INTERNS: Appreciation Reflects Both Ways

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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

• INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH: A KALEIDOSCOPIC VIEW

  JEANNE MARCUM GERLACH, EDITOR

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• POETRY

  William Greenway, Editor

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Professional Links: Expanding Our View of the English Classroom

  Louann Reid, 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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