Language Arts, Vol. 78, No. 2, November 2000

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Standards and Success

• Why Does Joshua "Hate" School . . . but Love Sunday School?

  Gwendolyn Thompson McMillon and Patricia A. Edwards

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  Abstract: Take a close look at the learning experiences of a five-year-old African American preschooler considered exceptionally literate in Sunday school, but socially illiterate in preschool and the ways in which these two settings enabled or disabled Joshua's attempt to become a reader. His parent's explicitly taught him to negotiate the cultural boundaries of his two learning environments.

  Keywords: Elementary, Middle, Secondary, College, Diversity, Language, Literacy, Pedagogy

• Portfolio as Mirror: Student and Teacher Learning Reflected through the Standards

  Sharon Martens Galley

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  Abstract: Describes using an outstanding portfolio created by an average fifth grader to study and reflect on the author's teaching and to consider connections between her teaching, the Michigan Language Arts Content Standards, and her District's new standards-based curriculum. Discusses the portfolio process, preparing for portfolio presentations, and the chart she designed to help her reflect on the data.

  Keywords: Elementary, Middle, Pedagogy, Research, Standards, Writing, Professional Development

• Resisting Occupation, Resisting Reading

  Alan A. Block

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  Abstract: Outlines how reading became occupied by scientists and positivists who made of reading something mundane, inconsequential, and quantifiable. Discusses the effect that this occupation has had on the pedagogy, politics, and policy of reading in schools and society. Examines the resistance to reading that is provoked by these occupying forces.

  Keywords: Elementary, Middle, Secondary, College, Assessment, Pedagogy, Standards, Reading

• You Say Stakeholder; I Say Robber Baron

  Susan Ohanian

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  Abstract: Argues that the dehumanization of everyone involved with educational standards is astounding. Offers stories of standardized tests and schools that sort children into winners and losers, and of lock-step, rigid "teaching." Contrasts this with success stories from three excellent classrooms where teachers' personal "standards" include deep passion and caring for children, for language, and for teaching.

  Keywords: Elementary, Middle, Secondary, College, Assessment, Pedagogy, Standards

• Making History with a Reader

  Cynthia McCallister

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  Abstract: A teacher and mom explores the consequences of schooling on identity and achievement through the her son's involvement in four different situations: storybook encounters at home in early childhood, a first grade classroom with “abundant freedom,” a second grade classroom with an “impoverished curriculum,” and third and fourth grade classrooms at a public school that combined freedom with expectations. She concludes with three lessons learned.

  Keywords: Elementary, Administration, Diversity, Literacy, Pedagogy, Standards, Reading

• PROFILE: The Light in Her Eyes: An Interview with Sonia Nieto

  Mary M. Kitagawa

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  Abstract: Presents an interview with educators' educator Sonia Nieto--an author of two important books ("The Light in Their Eyes: Creating Multicultural Learning Communities," and "Affirming Diversity: The Sociopolitical Context of Multicultural Education"). Discusses her books, avoiding stereotypes, current issues in multicultural education, how and what is taught, exploring unconscious attitudes, and linguistic diversities.

  Keywords: Elementary, Middle, Secondary, College, Diversity, Standards

• Outstanding Educator in the Language Arts: Carole Edelsky

  Bess Altwerger

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  Abstract: Presents an interview with researcher and Teacher educator Carole Edelsky, named Outstanding Educator in the Language Arts by the National Council of Teachers of English. Discusses her work in sociolinguistics and in literacy education, her perspectives on literacy theory and pedagogy, how her political perspective permeates her work, her passionate activism, and her goals and dreams for the future.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Outstanding Nonfiction Choices for 1999

  Richard M. Kerper, Elaine Aoki, Christine Duthie, Julie Jensen, Carolyn Lott, Ruth Nathan, Karen Patricia Smith, Myra Zarnowski

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  Abstract: Presents and discusses the book which won the 2000 Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children: "Through My Eyes" by Ruby Bridges. Discusses the five Honor books chosen by the award committee, and offers descriptions of 14 other nonfiction books selected as outstanding by the award committee.

  Keywords: Elementary, Literature, Reading

• 2000 Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts

  Notable Children's Books Committee

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  Abstract: Describes 30 children's books published in 1999 selected by the National Council of Teachers of English's Children's Literature Assembly as being notable for their potential to enhance language awareness and usage among children in grades K-8.

  Keywords: Elementary, Literature, Reading

• Editors' Pages

  Sharon Murphy and Curt Dudley-Marling

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Social Promotion

  Michael P. Ford

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Elementary

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