English Journal, Vol. 93, No. 5, May 2004

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Secondary Readers Reading Successfully

• Call for Manuscripts

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Letters to EJ

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• From the Secondary Section: Trenton Central High School SSR: A Case Study

  Diane Waff and Patrice M. Connell

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

  Keywords: Secondary

• Snapshots: The Misguided Saint Bernard

  Margery D. Kashman

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  Abstract: “Snapshots” offers insights about teaching and learning through teacher stories about a particular classroom event.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Speaking My Mind: Teaching before 1984

  F. Todd Goodson

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

  Keywords: Secondary

• Teacher to Teacher: What Activity Has Been Most Effective in Assisting High School Students to Read Successfully?

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  Abstract: “Teacher to Teacher” provides a forum for teachers to share ideas, materials, and activities.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Using Reading Workshop to Inspire Lifelong Readers

  Julie Lausé

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  Abstract: Inspired by Nancie Atwell’s work, high school teacher Julie Lausé designed a curriculum that, in her words, “has transformed our students and our school.” Students’ reading speed, comprehension, and motivation increase as a result of this program that combines choice and challenge.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Reading

• Poetry Made Easy: Of Swag and Sense

  Vivian M. Jewell

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  Abstract: Challenged by a district mandate to teach AP concepts to all students, Vivian M. Jewell focused on teaching lyric poetry to ninth-grade students who read only for plot. The strategies she used helped students develop confidence in reading and analyzing poetry.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Transforming Seniors Who Don't Read into Graduates Who Do

  Sherri Bell

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  Abstract: Understanding that graduating seniors will need a range of reading skills in college, Sherri Bell designs her senior English class to help students develop task commitment, comprehension, evaluation, fluency, and speed. Many students find that their enjoyment of reading grows along with their confidence “to tackle whatever reading may be in their future.”

  Keywords: Secondary

• "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall": Readers' Reflections on Literature through Literary Theories

  Joanne M. Golden and Donna Canan

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  Abstract: Seeking to enhance students’ experiences with literature, a high school teacher and a university professor collaborated on implementing the study of literary theories in two sophomore English classes. Through analyzing a fairy tale, a short story, and a novel, high school students developed divergent and critical thinking about literature.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Reading across Rhode Island: One Book, One State, Many Successful Readers

  Anne J. Arvidson and Pamela Blanco

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  Abstract: The power of community to increase literacy was highlighted in a statewide reading initiative where all residents of Rhode Island were invited to read David Baldacci’s Wish You Well. Anne J. Arvidson and Pamela Blanco explain how they created and implemented the program and used Baldacci’s book in their classrooms.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Walking a Maze of Views to the Center: Teaching Point of View

  Kathleen Cecil

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  Abstract: Students find books with multiple narrators or points of view difficult to follow, and this interferes with comprehension of literary themes. High school teacher Kathleen Cecil details the material, activities, and project that she uses to help urban students see connections between various texts on a topic or theme and create, ultimately, “a harmonious whole.”

  Keywords: Secondary

• Email Partnerships: Conversations That Changed the Way My Students Read

  Carlin Borsheim

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  Abstract: Through an email exchange with university students about To Kill a Mockingbird, ninth graders increased their confidence in reading and discussing literature. Carlin Borsheim, their teacher, found that students thought more deeply and critically about what they read as a result of the conversations with their university partner.

  Keywords: Secondary

• High School Students Need More Than Mandated Phonics Instruction

  Carol D. Wickstrom

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  Abstract: Scripted reading programs promise much but, when they meet individual students and teachers in real classrooms, the one-size-fits-all approach may succeed for no one. Still, teachers are required to use programs that districts buy. Carol D. Wickstrom addresses this dilemma by describing the efforts of one ninth-grade teacher to negotiate the demands of the mandated program while meeting the needs of her students.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Let Every Voice Be Heard: Focus Essays Create Democratic Classrooms

  Pearl Amelia McHaney

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  Abstract: Creating a democratic classroom challenges teacher authority and power. Yet nothing is more important if students are to learn to think critically and act thoughtfully. Pearl Amelia McHaney employs focus essays as a tool for students to develop their thoughts and contribute to meaningful class discussions. When authority is distributed, teacher and students share a powerful, intellectually engaging relationship.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Help for High School Students Who Still Can't Read

  Dauna Howerton and Cathy Thomas

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  Abstract: Drawing on experiences as an English language arts teacher and a special education teacher, respectively, Dauna Howerton and Cathy Thomas consider the needs of struggling high school readers and their teachers. They share activities to address common reading problems.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Beyond the Yellow Highlighter: Teaching Annotation Skills to Improve Reading Comprehension

  Carol Porter-O'Donnell

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  Abstract: Annotating a text can be a powerful strategy to comprehend difficult material and encourage active reading. High school teacher Carol Porter-O’Donnell provides several activities and tools to help students learn to purposefully mark up what they read.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Research Matters: Reading Apprenticeships

  Rick VanDeWeghe, editor

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  Abstract: “Research Matters” provides teachers with review and application of research that illuminates the daily concerns and activities of English language arts teachers and classrooms.

  Keywords: Secondary

• New Voices: Reading Successfully? Just What Does Success Mean, Anyway?

  Tiffany J. Hunt and Bud Hunt, editors

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  Abstract: “New Voices” raises questions, offers insights, and provides a forum for novice teachers to engage in the professional conversation surrounding the teaching of English.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Teaching English in the World: Obstacles to Authentic Reading: The USA Patriot Act and High-Stakes Testing

  Kenneth Lindblom, editor

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  Abstract: “Teaching English in the World” examines the teaching of English in a global context.

  Keywords: Secondary

• English in the City: A Tree Grows in New York City, or Does It?

  Greg Hamilton, editor

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  Abstract: “English in the City” focuses on the particular challenges, choices, and celebrations relevant to teaching in an urban setting.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Taking Time: I'm Taking Over! The Five Cs for Students to Own Their Learning

  Tonya Perry, editor

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  Abstract: “Taking Time” addresses challenges in teaching and curriculum that affect middle level education through focusing on the middle child in urban, rural, and suburban settings.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Professional Links: All Students as Willing and Successful Readers in English Class

  Connie S. Zitlow, editor

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  Abstract: “Professional Links” reviews professional books and materials, linking them to complementary software and appropriate Web sites.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Bold Books for Innovative Teaching: Hearing Zach: Matching Reluctant and Struggling Readers with Books

  Don Gallo, editor

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  Abstract: “Bold Books for Innovative Teaching” provides dynamic, informative viewpoints on important issues in publishing and teaching contemporary literature, especially literature for adolescents. Reviews of young adult literature will also appear in this column.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Poetry

  James Brewbaker, editor

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  Abstract: “Poetry” features poems by teachers and professional poets.

  Keywords: Secondary

• From the Editor

  Louann Reid

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

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