English Journal, Vol. 90, No. 4, March 2001

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: And Language for All

• The Changing Discourse of Language Study

  Marilyn Wilson

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Argues that a study of dialects, language attitudes and biases, and issues of power related to language policies should be part of courses for preservice English teachers. Describes class activities that deal with investigating language attitudes, validating linguistic variation, validating all dialects, understanding the politics of language, and learning the complexities of language and the major principles of language learning.

  Keywords: Secondary, Language, Professional Development

• Standard English and the Migrant Community

  Gregory Shafer

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Describes how the author, teaching at a South Florida high school with many children of Mexican-American migrant workers, shaped his English instruction in scenarios that reflected students' lives and cultures. Shows how class discussions and assignments probed the worthiness of the language used and the reason why it was successful. Argues that the key is not inculcation but participation.

  Keywords: Secondary, Language

• Moving Marginalized Students inside the Lines: Cultural Differences in Classrooms

  Angela Elder Quinn

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Discusses what the author has learned in her job at an elementary school in Northeast Mississippi as liaison between English-speaking school personnel and Spanish-speaking students and parents, most of whom are recent immigrants from Mexico. Discusses what the author learned, through extensive talking and questioning of students and parents, about how cultural differences affect classroom activities and interaction.

  Keywords: Elementary, Middle, Secondary, Language

• What's a (White) Teacher to Do about Black English?

  Sara Dalmas Jonsberg

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Argues that it is important for Black students and for all students to understand that Black English is indeed a language with rules, beauty, and power so that they come to respect it, respect its history, and respect their own bilingualism

  Keywords: Elementary, Middle, Secondary, Language

• Acknowledging the Language of African American Students: Instructional Strategies

  Sharroky Hollie

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Describes the Linguistic Affirmation Program (LAP), a comprehensive nonstandard language awareness program for students not proficient in Standard American English, that facilitates the acquisition of Standard American English without devaluing students' home language and culture. Notes its six research-based critical instructional approaches. Outlines four linguistic schools of thought regarding nonstandard language forms. Notes classroom applications for success in the LAP.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Can the English Language Take Care of Itself? A Dialogue

  Richard K. Redfern

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Presents a (fictional) conversation between a college English professor and a graduate student in English who is something of a purist about the language. Shows, in conversations across a semester and a half, her changing attitudes about the rules of good English, "purity" in the language, divided usage, and confusing grammar and usage.

  Keywords: Secondary, Language

• Why Keep Searching When It's Already Their? Reconsidering Everybody's Pronoun Problem

  Alleen Pace Nilsen

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Discusses the logic, elegance, and history of using they, them, and their as singular indefinite pronouns. Notes that, as a solution to the pronoun problem, the strength of this solution is its vagueness. Offers numerous real-life examples from publications or broadcasts and lists why it is counterproductive for English teachers to exclude this usage from the pronoun system they teach.

  Keywords: Secondary, Language

• "Knots on a Counting Rope": Teaching Stories

  Daphne Key

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Argues that reflecting on important "marker" stories in people's lives by using counting ropes (based on the children's book "Knots on a Counting Rope" by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault) helps students and teachers make sense of their complex worlds. Describes how they are used in the author's language arts methods course. Describes a student-organized Spring literacy conference.

  Keywords: Secondary, Language

• Teaching Vocabulary in the Literature Classroom

  James Barton

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Advocates concept-related vocabulary instruction, in which students link individual words with larger literature concepts. Outlines four steps to creating a concept-related vocabulary lesson. Offers examples of how concept-related vocabulary lessons can be conducted while reading, before reading, and after reading. Outlines web, weave, and thermometer structures for vocabulary organization. Discusses integrating vocabulary instruction into the literature curriculum.

  Keywords: Secondary

• A Bridge from Home to School: Helping Working Class Students Acquire School Literacy

  Julie Hagemann

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Discusses how and why a pedagogy of overt comparison between students’ home language (vernacular dialects of English) and school language (standard English) helps students learn the more global features of academic writing and the more sentenced-level features of Standard English. Outlines a pedagogy of overt comparison. Notes it motivates students, helps them learn conventions of academic writing, and develop proofreading skills.

  Keywords: Elementary, Middle, Secondary, Literacy

• From the Editor

  Virginia R. Monseau

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• EJ EXTRA: Honesty in Language: Is This the Way to Achieve Power?

  John H. Bushman

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Speaking My Mind: Shame on Whom?

  Gary Young

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• From the Secondary Section: Being a Professional Means Nurturing Others

  Carolyn Phipps

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Argues that, in this time of teacher shortage, English educators must all reach out to encourage and help new teachers or struggling veteran teachers. Offers several examples of organized efforts (by professional groups, in districts and as individuals) to address this need.

  Keywords: Secondary

• FOR FUN: Schooner School

  STEPHEN SNIDERMAN

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• TEACHER TO TEACHER: What Is Your Favorite Activity for Teaching about Language?

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• English in the News

  BOBBI CIRIZA H

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• LEARNING WITH TECHNOLOGY

  TREVOR OWEN, EDITOR

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• MIDDLE TALK

  ELIZABETH CLOSE AND KATHERINE RAMSEY, COEDITORS

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Poetry

  William Greenway, Editor

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Available in print version only.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Professional Links: The Linguistic Nature of Language and Communication

  Connie S. Zitlow, editor

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Talk About Books: Geography and Generations

  John Noell Moore, editor

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Young Adult Literature: Let It Be Hope by Kristen Downey Randle

  Chris Crowe, Editor

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Argues against using literature with high school students that is relentlessly dark, depressing, and self absorbed, which English instructors often find Deeply Significant, and which many students find repulsive. Argues that what many young readers want now is a literature of hope. Recommends 20 such books. Offers brief descriptions of 10 new or overlooked young adult books.

  Keywords: Secondary

* 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.