Asserts that new government policies must be mediated and implemented through teachers. Maintains that research among some teachers reveals a number of creative adaptations to the English National Curriculum. Describes four aspects of this adaption and argues that they are all related to self-determination. (CFR)

Contends policies that develop personal autonomy and honor children's right to participate in school organization and curricular decisions teach democratic values and citizenship. Encourages active teacher intervention, suggesting children's limits reflect teacher expectations and lack of opportunity. Notes two studies where children have…

Surveys recent government reports addressing problems of teaching English to the school population of England. States responses to these reports have exposed scholarly community conflicts. Notes the present demand for a return to formal grammar and standard English moving away from the 1970s movement towards the linguistic/vocational model. (NL)