Ironically, adults control most of the world of children's literature: adults write the books; adults choose which books to publish; adults review the books, adults bestow the awards on books and adults purchase the books for bookstores, libraries, and their children. In this paradigm of adult control, children's opinions are often overlooked. The…

This article offers a way of thinking about literacy instruction that critiques current reasoning, but also provides a space to dynamically think outside of prevalent practices. It presents a framework for both planning and studying literacy pedagogy that combines a practical everyday model of the reading process with Michel Foucault's (1988c)…

This article (1) argues that literacy is being redefined as a result of the use of digital media, and (2) provides suggestions for policy makers, budget decision-makers, teachers, researchers, and interested others about literacy and language arts standards, assessment, and teaching related to "new literacies," including: (a) Maximize the…

Recently, transactional reader response theory has been criticized for providing an inadequate theoretical guide for the study of multicultural literature. Some scholars argue that Rosenblatt assumes the reader and her response to literature are ideologically innocent and the continuum of aesthetic and efferent stance does not encompass critical…

No Child Left Behind has become a permanent fixture in the world of education. This paper seeks to use the construct of figured worlds as described by Holland, Skinner, Lachicotte, & Cain, (1998) to examine the ways policy makers and teachers navigate the world of literacy education. Viewing policy makers and teachers as participants in discrete…

"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." This is a well-known adage with which many are familiar. Children learn it from an early age as they begin to walk, ride their bike, or tie their shoes. Adults repeatedly encourage children by saying, "You can do it! Give it a try! Just try harder!" However, when trying harder becomes part of the…

Discusses how a group of lunchtime gamers mentored their teacher to help her understand and appreciate the art form of anime. Considers how students create a space within the school building and school day to pursue personal literacy practices. Notes that these students were able to take school-based strategies and retool them to fit out-of-school…

Presents an interview with Bernice E. Cullinan. Notes that she has been named the Outstanding Educator in the Language Arts for 2003. Notes that the recipients of this award are selected by members of the Elementary Section Steering Committee of the National Council of Teachers of English. Talks about who she is and what she feels she has…

Recollects the author's impressions of the 1960s year by year. Discusses historical events and reflects on educational influences. (SG)

Considers how educators from different disciplines create semiotic cycles of inquiry where teachers learn about the arts and through the arts. Believes that their students had to experience cycles of inquiry wherein they learned about the arts and through the arts, and that they needed to see teachers of different disciplines collaborate. Argues…

Presents a profile of children's author Brian Jacques. Discusses his writing and where he finds his inspiration. Explores four of his books. Discusses his interaction with his editors. (SG)

Considers how the concept of "literacy," especially intensified by the current conservative political climate, has been falsely reified as a clearly distinct "thing" that can be taught and tested in simple and standardized ways. Identifies literacy competencies as "subrosa literacy" and describes detailed performances of these abilities (including…

Suggests that in an era of excessive high-stakes testing and a blind embrace of "technicism," literacy not only matters, but may represent one of the last hopes to "salvage our already feeble democracy." Concludes that literacy matters if, and only if, it is viewed as a democratic right and as a human right. (SG)

Discusses the current political situation in the United States and the ways in which literacy education, particularly reading education, has been socially constructed and politically situated in the last several years. Suggests that the policies educators are currently implementing will lead to a generation of teachers who pay homage to externally…

Notes the author's concern about a conception of literacy that defines it only as basic skills. Argues that basic skills are necessary but not sufficient in this diverse and troubled world. Suggests that a literacy education that focuses on social justice can make a major contribution to preparing students to be thoughtful and active citizens of…