Talking Points, Vol. 10, No. 1, November 1998

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: A Close Look at Reading and Writing

• What's Going On with . . . Dorothy Watson

  Dorothy F. King and Shirley R. Crenshaw

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  Abstract: We recently had the pleasure of visiting with Dorothy Watson, the first president of the WLU. She was just back from the Catskills Whole Language Conference. As always, Dorothy was eager to share her current thinking and projects.

  Keywords: Elementary, Literacy

• The Term "Whole Language"

  Debra Goodman

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  Abstract: I’ve been wondering if I should stop using the term “whole language.” It seems to only get me into trouble to say I am a whole language teacher.

  Keywords: Elementary, Literacy, Pedagogy

• Technology or "Teachnology"

  Michael McVey

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  Abstract: Michael McVey’s piece on technology is highlighted in this column, because of his advice to teachers. We are grateful for Mike’s contributions in previous issues.

  Keywords: Elementary, Technology

• Ten Reasons for Hope for Success in Educating All Learners

  Kenneth S. Goodman

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  Abstract: Ken developed the following “Top Ten” list when asked by educators from schools in American Indian communities to give them reasons why he continues to be optimistic about schooling.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Valuing Readers and Writers through a Closer Look at Assessment

  Dorothy F. King, Shirley R. Crenshaw and Pataricia Jenkins

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  Abstract: A close look at reading and writing must include looking at students with special needs. Jack and Eric were students whose special education labels indicated what they could not do. They were fortunate to be with whole language teachers who believed in their strengths and used assessments that revealed those strengths.

  Keywords: Elementary, Assessment, Literacy

• The Phonics Scam: The Pedagogy of the Absurd

  Kenneth S. Goodman

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  Abstract: Sometime in the future, the present era in educational decision making, particularly literacy education, will be seen as a time when lies, disinformation, and skillful political manipulation produced absurd laws that outlawed good teaching and teacher education, elevated old and discredited commercial programs to the status of scientific truth, turned literacy into a medical condition, made conflict-of-interest a virtue, and justified overriding all the safeguards developed in over a century of curriculum building and text selection in the cause of overcoming a crisis in literacy which does not, in fact, exist (Berliner and Biddle, 1995).

  Keywords: Elementary, Assessment, Reading

• Finding Ourselves through Writing for Our Students

  Margaret Yatsevitch Phinney

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  Abstract: As teachers of writing, we are regularly urged to write for, with, and in front of our students to demonstrate that we, too, are writers. It makes sense. Children learn to talk by conversing with others. They learn to read by seeing and hearing people read and by engaging in reading activities with other readers. So goes learning to write.

  Keywords: Elementary, Writing

• Choices and Voices Broadening the Scope of Elementary Writing Experiences

  Barbara B. Feehrer

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  Abstract: Writers Workshop, which has now been a concept for about twenty years, is common practice in many classrooms around the country. What have we learned? How have our practices changed? How can we keep this valuable activity fresh, authentic, and relevant?

  Keywords: Elementary, Writing

• The First Day of Kindergarten

  M. Verna Tullie

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  Abstract: Verna Tullie describes her classroom at Nazlini School. The Nazlini community is rich in traditional Navajo culture. It is nestled at the southern end of Beautiful Valley in the heart of the Navajo Nation.

  Keywords: Elementary, Pedagogy, School-Community Relation, Writing, Reading

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