Voices from the Middle, Vol. 7, No. 2, December 1999

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Carry-on Luggage: What to Take into 2000 and Beyond

• Reflections on the Past, Directions for the Future

  Harold M. Foster

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  Abstract: Describes what to pack for the English/Language Arts teacher of the new century: a brain (outlining crucial lessons learned about language teaching and learning, important principles, and particular points about writing and reading literature); a heart (since teachers must inspire, nurture, and care about their students); and courage (in the face of the debates and politicization of education).

  Keywords: Middle, Literature, Pedagogy, Writing, Reading

• Post-it Patterns: Valuing the Particular in the New Millennium

  Kelly Chandler

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  Abstract: Describes some uses skillful teachers have developed for the unassuming post-it note in assessment, reading, and classroom-based inquiry. Discusses how these uses represent some of the most significant positive trends in literacy instruction for early adolescents, and show increased concern for personalization in an educational system that has of late been more concerned with standardization.

  Keywords: Middle, Assessment, Pedagogy

• R*E*S*P*E*C*T: For Kids, for Adolescence, for Story

  Chris Crutcher

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  Abstract: Points out the powerful basic truth that respect is a healer. Notes that fear is not a synonym for respect, and that increasing respect for kids and for adolescence itself would automatically create better communication. Argues that all literature, be it about children, teenagers, or adults, should reflect some truth about what is rather than what people wish to be.

  Keywords: Middle, Literature

• Lessons for Learning

  Rebecca Bowers Sipe

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  Abstract: Describes the author's first year of teaching (1972). Discusses six lessons she learned, including how: (1) collaboration and choice build ownership and enthusiasm; (2) excitement and passion are vital supports for learning; (3) reading and writing for audiences beyond the classroom are powerful motivators; and (4) openness to new ways of viewing things builds vitality in learning environments.

  Keywords: Middle, Pedagogy, Research, Reading

• Journey into Cyberspace

  Judith L. Scott

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  Abstract: Describes why technology will be the author's essential carry-on luggage into the new millennium.

  Keywords: Middle, Technology

• Literacy Leaders Speak Out: Perspectives for the Future

  AnnMarie Nault and Shannon Dunaway

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  Abstract: Presents conversations between the authors (public school teachers and participants in a graduate level teacher action research course) and six people in language education who have greatly affected the teachers' work (Dixie Goswami, Tom Newkirk, Donald Graves, Nancie Atwell, Linda Rief, and Tom Romano) regarding issues these leading educators consider the greatest challenges.

  Keywords: Middle, Research

• EDITOR'S MESSAGE: Carry-on Luggage that Lets Us Carry On

  Kylene Beers

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  Abstract: The articles in this themed issue, "Carry-on Luggage: What to Take into 2000 and Beyond, Beers asks, "What must we have with us in the year 2000 and beyond if we are to be the language arts teachers our middle school students deserve?" Responses include reflections on everything from response theory to Post-it notes. What will you take with you?

  Keywords: Middle

• Clip & File - Center Insert

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle

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