The NCTE has established a center of policy research to honor the legacy of James R. Squire in order to support progressive reform in English language arts education. James R. Squire's life and work are discussed in detail.

Argues that educational reform will fail unless the priorities of reformists and adolescents are rendered more harmonious. Discusses establishing a congenial tone in the classroom and giving students greater responsibility for curriculum choices. (EL)

The author of the 1970 book of educational predictions "Deciding the Future" reexamines educators' expectations of the 1970s, comparing them with actual developments. He finds many prognostications fulfilled, and foresees continuing alterations in curriculum and policy that follow trends started in the l960s. (JG)

Examines the appeal of oral histories--their intimacy, authenticity, seeming reliability, and panoramic as well as sharply focused presentations of human life--and the possibilities they offer as subject matter in English classrooms. Provides lists of oral histories and "how-to" books on oral history. (RL)

Explores the methodology and objectives of the National Assessment of Education project and draws implications from their findings in relation to writing skills. (RB)

Author discusses performance contracting in terms of accountability, individualized teaching, extrinsic rewards, testing, and the corruption of both language and the process of education." (Author/SP)

Examines the health of literature, both in the market place and in the schools. Contrasts the pervasive effects of uncensored popular literature with vigorous efforts to censor the classroom study of literature. (RL)

Two educators express their opinions on the relative merits of a traditional English curriculum v one that includes popular culture. (RL)

Notes that the percentage of Black and Hispanic teachers continues to decline as the number of Black and Hispanic students increases. Argues that minority teacher candidates are being screened out by state-mandated competency testing. Argues that reversing the scarcity of Black and Hispanic teachers will take time, money, and commitment. (RS)

Two main points are stressed in this essay: (1) Reading literature aloud to students is not only educationally sound, but for many youngsters, necessary; and (2) In order to help his students become critical listeners of the literature that is read to them, a teacher must build bridges between the youngsters' experience and that in the literature.…