English Journal, Vol. 96, No. 5, May 2007

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Extracurricular and Cocurricular English

• Call for Manuscripts, English Journal

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• From the Editor

  Louann Reid

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• From the Secondary Section: Leadership for Literacy: Teachers Raising Expectations and Opportunities

  Nicole A. Chilla, Diane Waff, and Heleny Cook

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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

• EJ Extra: Remembering Donald M. Murray

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Speaking My Mind: The Importance of High School Debate

  Diana Hooley

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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

• EJ Extra: Free Reading

  Thomas Newkirk

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Teacher to Teacher: What Do You Enjoy about Coaching, Directing, or Advising?

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

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Yearbook 101: A How-To Guide for Teaching the Yearbook Basics

  Christina M. Vettraino

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  Abstract: Finding few resources on how to teach a yearbook class, high school teacher Christina M. Vettraino set out to create her own. She offers a detailed, classroom-tested approach to producing an award-winning yearbook. Students on the staff and in the yearbook class learn the purpose and the concept of a unifying theme, graphic design, writing, and photography. In addition, they learn responsibility and professionalism by working under pressure and meeting deadlines.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• So You've Been Asked to Advise a Student Publication

  Janet Ewell

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  Abstract: Writer’s workshops provide students with the appropriate processes they need to learn about publishing and First Amendment freedoms when collaborating on a school newspaper. High school teacher and journalism adviser Janet Ewell outlines the structures students can use for learning to find, research, develop, respond to, and reflect on story ideas.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• When English Language Arts, Basketball, and Poetry Collide

  W. Douglas Baker

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  Abstract: A former high school teacher’s reflections on the connections between basketball and poetry suggest the significance of extracurricular activities for teachers and students. W. Douglas Baker recounts how he guided students to make connections among “the collision of activities in their lives” by delving into the practices and discourses of three disciplinary communities—the basketball team, the Poetry Club, and the English classroom.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Making Meaningful Theater in the Empty Space

  Joseph M. Shosh and Jennifer A. Wescoe

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  Abstract: As teacher-facilitators, Joseph M. Shosh and Jennifer A. Wescoe emphasize the educational value of theater. To promote student leadership of a production, students audition for roles on and off stage and contribute to the technical aspects of the production through “crew days,” from which they build community and develop a sense of respect for the complexity of production. Additionally, Shosh and Wescoe implement writing activities to help students understand and develop their characters.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Literary Magazines: To Censor or Not?

  Robert C. Mossman

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  Abstract: High school teacher Robert C. Mossman asserts that literary magazines reflect and elevate school communities’ values. As adviser of his school literary magazine, Mossman encourages students to uphold certain standards for decency, while helping students learn to distinguish between original writing that is specific and thoughtful and writing that merely glorifies difficult issues, such as sex, drugs, and violence.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• How Coaching Forensics Made Me a Better Writing Coach

  Lynette Williamson

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  Abstract: High school teacher and forensics coach Lynette Williamson describes ways to teach writing—including on-demand essays—that draw on successful practices she developed in coaching. Students learn the importance of using personal conviction and qualified thesis statements to build arguments, as well as learning “The Debater Four-Step,” an effective concession and refutation technique.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Facilitating a Summer Reading Book Group Program

  Ginger Goldman Malin with Christine Iacullo and Melissa Drapatsky

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  Abstract: Summer book groups enhance and sustain student literacy behaviors over the break, making available an enjoyable social forum for critical-thinking and critical-reading practices to occur naturally. Significantly, the book groups grant faculty and students an informal space to connect meaningfully through reflective discussion of texts.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Wondering through Teaching

  Jo-Anne Kerr

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  Abstract: Jo-Anne Kerr relies on teacher-research practices to discover insights for making her classes more beneficial to “resistant learners.” She shares her experience of observing two previously struggling male vocational-technical students, conducting informal and formal interviews with them throughout the year, and collecting data from their portfolios and reading logs to enrich her support for them and her understanding of their motivation for learning.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• What Is Right With This Picture?

  Mike Stracco

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  Abstract: In a one-week voluntary summer course, students aged twelve to seventeen eagerly take ownership of their composing processes, learning to connect terms such as focus and point of view to the visual and verbal acts of photography and writing. High school teacher Mike Stracco grapples with how to channel the vitality of his summer course into students’ classroom experiences during the school year.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Invitation to All: Welcoming Gays and Lesbians into My Classroom and Curriculum

  Patricia L. Daniel

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  Abstract: Encouraging teachers to create safe schools by challenging homophobic remarks, using inclusive language and materials, and providing literature that depicts gay and lesbian characters and concerns, Patricia L. Daniel recommends a list of resources and strategies for communicating to students and the school community an “acceptance of all people in the classroom.”

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Of Flattery and Thievery: Reconsidering Plagiarism in a Time of Virtual Information

  P. L. Thomas

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  Abstract: P. L. Thomas provides a framework for discussing plagiarism and calls on us to avoid overly simplified policies. After considering various perspectives on intent and the purposes of documentation, Thomas advocates developing standard definitions and guidelines for plagiarism in the department or the classroom. We should also offer professional development opportunities to help teachers transfer abstract concepts of plagiarism to classroom instruction, discussion, and assignments.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Approaches to Reading with Multiple Lenses of Interpretation

  Melissa Troise

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  Abstract: High school teacher Melissa Troise challenges students to recognize the relationships that exist between literary theories, such as Marxism, feminism, and postcolonialism, and urges students to expand their contexts for reading texts by accessing and combining theories. Troise believes theory provides students with the potential to better understand unfamiliar ideas and ideologies, even if they may not agree with them.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Research Matters: How Does Assessment Affect Creativity?

  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: Learning to (Plan a) Dance

  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: Rethinking English and Literacy: A View from Overseas

  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

• Taking Time: Rethinking theCore: Teaching Theater and English in the High-Stakes Testing Climate

  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: Middle, Secondary

• Tools for Teaching: Help! I Have Accepted a Supplemental Contract—Now What?

  Colleen A. Ruggieri, Editor

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  Abstract: "Tools for Teaching" helps you find the best print and electronic resources for teaching English language arts.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Bold Books for Teenagers: Summer Reading 2007

  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

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