Explores two alternative agendas that define educational practices in the United States: the "unum" agenda, focusing on developing readers who are good citizens and effective workers; and the "pluribus" agenda, which promotes appreciation of diversity, empowerment of disadvantaged groups, and enhanced reader self-esteem. Notes people advocate for…

Explores some of the possibilities of writing that the author realized from working with women writers and describes how, as a result of this work, she has revised her thinking about writing and the teaching of writing. (RS)

Studies Chinese bilingual readers' nonverbal responses (vividness of imagery and emotional response) to a text in English and in Chinese. Finds readers of English text did not understand the passage as well as readers of the Chinese version; however, imagery and affect were formed even in the absence of total understanding, showing they are…

Examines factors influencing students' personal voices becoming part of the public talk of an 11th-grade U.S. history class and an 8th-grade language arts class. Finds student participation in discussion is influenced by peer and gender relations and differing conceptions of teaching and knowledge. Notes encouraging students to exercise their…

Reflects on "Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children," a report from the National Academy of Sciences that centers on phonological awareness, decoding, word recognition, and literal comprehension. Reframes the report from the perspective of the New Literacy Studies, which takes a sociocultural approach. Stresses tensions internal to the…

Examines first and second graders' decoding of one-syllable words and nonwords, each comprised of a high- to moderate-utility onset and a high-utility rime. Finds the construct validity of decoding items varied, depending on whether they were words or nonwords. Notes a superior construct validity of words over nonwords as decoding items. (RS)

Explores the verbal reflections of a competent fifth-grade speller as he performed word sorts, spelling lists, and creative writing activities. Finds the accuracy or inaccuracy of the student's statements were related to his level of spelling development, and each literacy task appeared to have a predominant category of responses. (RS)

Notes that for most of the past decade, there have been rumblings that the National Reading Conference, the parent organization of this journal, should be involved in influencing educational policy making, but these discussions often seem grounded in one or more unwarranted assumptions. Challenges these assumptions through the use of descriptive…

Suggests that an understanding of the historical roots of scientific literacy can help contemporary science educators better address current and future controversies. Shows that modern controversies about this goal actually revolve around much older and more general debates about the broader importance of science in society, science in education,…

Examines the construct of science-literacy-in-practice within the context of a university biology department. Points to a trajectory of definitions of science literacy and what these definitions imply for science educators in enacting science literacy for all. (Author/NB)

Uses discourse processes to examine how two bilingual elementary school teachers in three classrooms framed science as disciplinary inquiry. Data sources were drawn from studies encompassing multiple years and multiple teachers and included extensive videotaped records of classroom interaction. Identifies cultural themes that included ways in…

Describes how elementary school teachers who work with bilingual students facilitate the learning of scientific concepts and skills through writing as they implement a science-based, interdisciplinary curriculum that uses a sheltered constructivist approach. (Author/NB)

Examines the emerging definition of science literacy from the authors of the science standards, policymakers' desire to standardize, and inclusive education perspectives. Proposes designing science curricula in light of inquiry learning, cultural and local relevance, an inclusive approach, and a real world setting that brings personal benefit to…

This Seminar guide is part of NCSALL's (National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy's) effort to help connect research and practice in the field of adult education and family literacy. The purpose of the three-hour seminar is to help practitioners, program directors, state staff, and other policymakers read and discuss NCSALL's…

This guide provides suggestions and materials for the development and implementation of a Health Literacy Forum to be coordinated by a local, county, or state Department of Public Health. Health Literacy Forums, already implemented in several cities and states, have increased awareness about literacy skills of U.S. adults and health implications.…