English Journal, Vol. 95, No. 6, July 2006

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: In Context: Private, Parochial, and Independent Schools

• Call for Manuscripts

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Letters to EJ

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• From the Editor

  Louann Reid, editor

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• From the Secondary Section: School Life

  John Manear

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

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Snapshots: Dynamic Characters: A Year in the Life of Fourth Hour

  Julie Meikeljohn

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

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Snapshots: A Greater Peace

  Jan Vallone Roberts

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

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Speaking My Mind: Engaging Students in Your Absence: An Open Letter to English Teachers

  Jessica A. Wertz

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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: Middle, Secondary

• Going International: Teaching and Learning Culture from the Outside In

  Craig Eldon Curry

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  Abstract: Teaching in a culturally diverse school in Nigeria, Craig Eldon Curry realized that he needed to “relinquish [his] role as expert” if students were to engage in higher-level inquiry. Students examined Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart using the Sum-LIE-Response strategy and became more confident in class discussions and more critical in their thinking.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Literature: An Exercise in Futility or the Way to Save the World?

  Brian F. Halpin, Jordan Brant, Keely Campbell, Jonathan Christie, Dan Goldman, Michael Riendeau, Phil Sortino, and Simon White

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  Abstract: High school students from an independent boarding school describe their attempts to find meaning and value in literature. Through creation of the Class Project, a trunk containing print and visual materials, students hope to connect with other students and teachers in discussions throughout the country about issues of race and class.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Literature

• Toward "Moral Perfection": Integrating Judiac Concepts and Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography

  Dana Huff

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  Abstract: Teaching at a Jewish high school, Dana Huff wanted to incorporate Judaic concepts into her American literature curriculum. She used Benjamin Franklin’s “Moral Perfection” to highlight ideas of self-reflection and self-improvement. Students chose “one virtue to acquire or one vice to eliminate” and kept a daily journal of their successes and failures.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Teaching to Biological Gender Preferences in an All-Boys Catholic School

  Katherine Hlavach Bruemmer

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  Abstract: Basing her methods on current brain research about how males learn, Katherine Hlavach Bruemmer structured a literature unit by varying tasks throughout the block period and providing a selection of projects instead of a final test. Even the novel was chosen for its male-friendly themes.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• "But When Do You Teach Grammar?" Allaying Community concerns about Pedagogy

  David Gold

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  Abstract: David Gold describes the problems encountered in developing an English curriculum for a new private high school. By relying on current research on the teaching of reading and writing and by effectively communicating their pedagogy to students and parents, the two department members were able to build relationships to overcome resistance to nontraditional methods and show considerable improvement in student achievement.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• I Think I'm Falling in Love with This Novel

  Norma Greco

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  Abstract: High school teacher Norma Greco affirms the value of teaching literature as lived experience. As testimony to the importance that literature can have, she includes teaching suggestions and students’ reflections on Tess of the d’Urbervilles and Mrs. Dalloway.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Mom Dad Buddy and Sis Stories: A Drama and Fiction Writing Workshop

  Jason Whitney

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  Abstract: Jason Whitney created a writing workshop that put writing back in the high school classroom. Students collaborated on a dramatic scene involving four characters, developing characters’ personalities and relationships just as professional drama and fiction writers do. The students then read their scripts in class as publication of their work. The result was a workshop with a fun, supportive atmosphere where students learned to think of themselves as writers.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Expanding Literacies through Graphic Novels

  Gretchen Schwarz

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  Abstract: Gretchen Schwarz offers a rationale, based on the need for current students to learn multiple literacies, for the use of graphic novels in the high school English class. She highlights several titles, suggests possible classroom strategies, and discusses some of the obstacles teachers may face in adding graphic novels to their curriculum.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Responding to Students Who Disclose the Violence in Their Lives

  Douglas Fisher

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  Abstract: Students often need to write about violence and other problems in their lives to process them. But how should teachers deal with such disclosures? Douglas Fisher discusses ways that urban teachers responded with the understanding and support that allowed students to gain control of their situations.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Research Matters: Learning from the Arts

  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: Middle, Secondary

• New Voices: A Revelation Regarding the Potential Benefits of Low Expectations

  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: Middle, Secondary

• Teaching English in the World: A Literacy of Involvement: Bringing Together Service and Learning in Parochial Schools

  Kenneth Lindblom, editor

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

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Stepping into the Classroom: Inside or Out: Reflection Lets Us See More of Ourselves

  Terry Patrick Bigelow and Michael J. Vokoun, Editors

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  Abstract: “Stepping into the Classroom” shares innovative lesson ideas grounded in current literature or action research.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Personal Reading: One Man's Will

  Suellen Alfred and Linda Null, Editors

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  Abstract: “Personal Reading” contains reviews of fiction and nonfiction books, with a special interest in multicultural works.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Bold Books for Teenagers: Summer Reading 2006

  Don Gallo, editor

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

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Poetry

  James Brewbaker, editor

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

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• English Journal Reviewers

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Indexes

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

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