A discussion of democracy is offered that includes historical reactions to the concept, a description of two types of democracy as they appear in the United States contexts. A brief discussion of the contradictions and tensions built into the very core of democracy, and evidence for the corruption of democracy is presented.

Presents the author's acceptance speech when named 2000 Outstanding Educator in the Language Arts by the Elementary Section of the National Council of Teachers of English. Shares her life story to argue that teachers' actions have the potential to add, deepen, or change current trends and events within the struggle for educational justice. (SG)

Defines oral language development, discusses findings from adult-child interaction studies, and presents classroom implications. (DD)

Argues that teachers in America's school systems are not beneficiaries of "enhanced professionalism" but victims of processes which, in the name of reform, take away teachers' professional rights to make decisions about teaching. Describes the activities of groups of teacher-activists who are working to maintain the autonomy of teachers. (ARH)

Discusses the differences between inauthentic and authentic writing, arguing that most writing in school is inauthentic, because it is written for someone else's intentions. Examples are cited from a classroom with an essentially whole language orientation, but which occasionally reverts to inauthentic writing assignments. (HTH)

Discusses how the acquisition of literacy, and particularly its acquisition through the whole language approach, may have unanticipated repercussions in the lives of the learners. Proposes four constructive ways of noticing, respecting, and using these repercussions of change in a whole language classroom. (MM)

Knowledgeable teachers, enhanced environments, appropriate programs and materials, appropriate technology, adequate assessment, and sophisticated notions of individualization are suggested as factors that will provide a "least restrictive" environment for mainstreamed nonverbal handicapped children, as required by the Education for Handicapped…

Calls for language education to be retheorized to make it serve education for democracy. Highlights the relationship of language and power. Suggests that progressive language educators' theories-in-practice may well just be a kinder, gentler way to maintain those systems of dominance that keep democracy as far away as ever. (RS)

Summarizes the results of research on oral and written language processes and lists problems with computer software that does not reflect that research. (AEA)