The author's late son Greg, who became known as Stephan Sure, started life as a teacher's and parent's dream. Not so much because he "behaved well" but because he was a natural wordsmith. Stephan's knack for clever language was visible through the years in crisp repartee and hilarious storytelling, but his secret life as a writer didn't fully…

Presents the idea of "contemplative reading" and suggests that certain nonfiction works evoke an experience of contemplative response that is familiar to innumerable teachers and other readers. Notes that by looking at the big picture, good contemplative writing can balance the tendency toward overemphasis on negative, problem-based works in some…

Examines some of the hazy areas involving censorship and sanctions for teachers who teach censored material or who violate none-too-clear school district rules or procedures. Looks also at clear cases of poor judgement on the part of teachers. (TB)

Examines approaches and structures that students and teachers may use to explore connections between poetry and jazz. Suggests specific techniques for intermingling the two. Looks at the relationship between the two in terms of "mood,""program," and "allusion." Provides examples of paired pieces and marked-up poetry texts. (TB)

A teacher's manual for a program in American Indian culture is condemned as inaccurate and misleading.

A standardized test format is used to present a criticism of present testing practices. (JH)

Defines free writing, reviews the philosophy and history of free writing, and discusses some problems that it entails. (NKA)

Discusses the problems encountered in getting pattern practices into the English program at the secondary level in New Orleans Public Schools. (RB)

Argues the importance of the relationships among silence and literature, the arts, and other experiences that point toward transcendence. Suggests that English teachers can expand the repertoire of classroom activities and teaching techniques that make use of silence. (KEH)

Details the history and politics of educational standards in American educational institutions. Outlines key features of various standards projects. (HB)