Notes that understanding what "free software" means and its implications for access and use of new technologies is an important component of the new literacies. Concludes that if free speech and free press are essential to the development of a general literacy, then free software can promote the development of computer literacy. (SG)

Describes the goals and nature of school mathematics reform and the philosophy and nature of the constructivist classroom. Suggests that math teachers who are interested in creating reformed classrooms can look to constructivist theories of learning and content-area literacy theories and methods to provide the structure needed to make reform…

Attempts to help students think critically about violence and masculinity in order to point out options for life beyond their urban neighborhood. Builds activities around events and characters from the book chapters, striving to bring the seventh graders to a broader awareness of the prevalence of violent masculinities. (SG)

Describes a new high school teacher's implementation of a reading and writing workshop. Discusses her feelings and insecurities involved in her decision making. Acknowledges her variance from standard teaching practices and expresses her confidence in giving students choices in order to equip them for their lives after high school. (SG)

Examines the nature and effects of predominant understandings or formulations of the relationship between literacy and work. Evaluates what workplace literacy programs have typically been designed to do. Discusses possible ways for future programs to create real opportunities for all participants to be truly involved in the process of workplace…

Proposes that responsible reading and literary criticism must begin with an understanding that communicating with language--and particularly with the language found in literary text--poses many challenges, and that the art of literary interpretation must always be informed with a deep respect for the complexities posed by language, culture, and…

Describes how middle school language arts and mathematics teachers integrated biographical storytelling about successful Latinas and reflective and affirmative writing with their instruction. Notes that Latinas face special social and cultural pressures that prompt many girls to leave school without a diploma. (SG)

Considers the difficulties in having a positive attitude toward change after the events of September 11th, 2001. Notes that the processes of coping with the change that an individual undergoes are analogous to those seen in disciplinary inquiry. (SG)

Suggests countering deficit explanations and negative consequences by engaging students in investigations of academic literacies. Illustrates the potential of this approach for illuminating needed changes in literacy teaching and assessment practices by describing the school experiences of two nonmainstream learners at an Ivy League university.…

Explores the use of teacher-facilitated peer dialogues as a tool for supporting independent word learning strategies of struggling middle school learners. Hopes to create a context in which students would not only grapple with word meanings but also develop a stronger metacognitive awareness of their own efforts. (SG)

Describes how weblogs (a form of online journal which provides series of snapshots of day-to-day Internet-related activity) are integrated with educational activity as resources for students and teachers. Suggests that educators can use weblogs to encourage students to access the Internet for useful information; weblogs can also help students…

Shares some responses from those involved in an ongoing oral history and writing project that connects members from a senior center writing group with children 9 to 12 years old from a self-contained special education program. Hopes that these comments and insights will serve as a parting testimony to the value of such intergenerational efforts.…

Discusses how a program designed to teach children and youth to read was used in two classes for adults. Presents an explanation and description of the implementation, reports of learner progress, and the perceptions of the participants. Concludes that despite poor testing outcomes, the learners, instructors, and administrators believed in the…

Describes how the book "Mosaic of Thought: Teaching Comprehension in a Reader's Workshop" by Ellin Oliver Keene and Susan Zimmerman requires teachers to examine their reading strategies. Examines essential strategies for students to become engaged and independent readers. Considers strategies such as: metacognition; activating prior knowledge;…

Considers how using reading discussion groups with preservice teachers leads to greater comprehension and engagement. Outlines the structure used to involve students in independent reflection and group discourse about self-selected course readings. Describes a study of the effects of engaging students in structured small-group discussions about…