English Journal, Vol. 98, No. 1, September 2008

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: "Once More Unto the Breach, Dear Friends": Beginning Another Year

• Call for Manuscripts

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• From the Editor

  Ken Lindblom

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• From the Secondary Section: Meet Me in San Antonio!

  Diane Waff

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

  Keywords: Secondary

• In Memoriam: Margaret J. Early: NCTE President, 1974

  Ben F. Nelms

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  Abstract: A Former English Journal editor remembers Margaret J. Early, who was president of NCTE in 1974.

  Keywords: Secondary

• EJ in Focus: Energy and Enthusiasm: Don’t Start the School Year without Them

  Nancy Mack

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  Abstract: An esteemed teacher-scholar offers good-humored advice for staying fresh in the classroom.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Teacher to Teacher: What Are Some Innovative Assignment Ideas for a Good Start to a New School Year?

  Sandi Marinella; Lisa Winkler; Jonathan Tsui

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

  Keywords: Secondary

• Incorporating Student Choice: Reflective Practice and the Courage to Change

  Katie Dredger

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  Abstract: Katie Dredger was a successful AP English Literature and Composition teacher when she began questioning the exclusivity her course represented. Here she shares how she was able to open her course to all students willing to attempt the challenge, while maintaining and even raising her intellectual standards.

  Keywords: Secondary

• My New Teaching Partner? Using the Grammar Checker in Writing Instruction

  Reva Potter and Dorothy Fuller

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  Abstract: Seventh-grade English teacher Reva Potter and education professor Dorothy Fuller collaborate on a study that shows that using computer grammar checkers may improve students’ confidence and their understanding of key grammatical concepts.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Everything I Need to Know about Teaching I Learned from Beowulf

  Ruth R. Caillouet

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  Abstract: With wit and humor, frequent EJ author Ruth R. Caillouet draws on an ancient warrior to offer tips to new and experienced teachers on how to survive our battles—and even win some!

  Keywords: Secondary

• “It Sounds Like Me”: Using Creative Nonfiction to Teach College Admissions Essays

  Jennifer Wells

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  Abstract: A high school reading and writing center specialist, Jennifer Wells describes how her creative nonfiction workshops inspired students to attend more closely to their personal experience, voice, and sensory detail in their college essays.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Activities to Create Yearlong Momentum

  Molly Berger

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  Abstract: Using popular culture and multimedia technology, Molly Berger’s beginning-of- the-year assignments engage her high school English students in building skills and concepts they’ll use all year.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Playing the Classroom-as-Game: Building a Community of Learners at the Start of a New Year

  David Lee Carlson

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  Abstract: Teacher educator David Lee Carlson likens taking an English class to playing a game, and by taking the metaphor seriously, he develops an innovative and engaging way to start off the school year.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Beginning with the Students: Ownership through Reflection and Goal-Setting

  Marisa Harford

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  Abstract: A secondary English teacher in the Bronx, Marisa Harford describes several self-reflective activities she has designed to improve students’ writing skills. Beginning a new school year with activities like Harford’s can focus students’ efforts all year.

  Keywords: Secondary

• How I Spent My Summer Vacation: Teachers Describe Their NEH Seminar and NWP Experiences

  A. Richard Broan; Kate Pezanowski; Jill VanHimbergen

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  Abstract: Summer is a time for teachers to recharge their pedagogical batteries. Here, three veteran English teachers write about professional development programs that energized them and their teaching.

  Keywords: Secondary

• The 2007 Honor List: A Harvest from the World at Large

  Alleen Pace Nilsen, James Blasingame Jr., and Ken Donelson

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  Abstract: The well-known critics of the annual honor list provide commentary on seven of last year’s best works of young adult literature.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Challenging Texts

  P. L. Thomas, editor

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  Abstract: "Challenging Texts" explores various ways of teaching literary theory to high school and middle school students.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Innovative Writing Instruction

  Valerie Kinloch, editor

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  Abstract: "Innovative Writing Instruction" publishes new approaches to the teaching of writing in high school and middle school.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Mentoring Matters

  Thomas M. McCann and Larry Johannessen, editors

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  Abstract: "Mentoring Matters" focuses on effective ways to support new English teachers and student teachers.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Off the Shelves

  Mark Letcher, editor

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  Abstract: "Off the Shelves" discusses new young adult literature and explores ways of teaching YA texts in middle and high school English classes.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Success with ELLs

  Margo DelliCarpini, editor

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  Abstract: "Success with ELLs" suggests effective approaches to teaching English language learners in ways that can be of benefit to all students in mainstream middle and high school English classes.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Speaking My Mind: Dear Mr. Shakespeare: Please Stay Out of My Middle School English Class!

  Mike Roberts, editor

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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

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