Explains a shift in reading instruction theories, from defining reading as a set of discrete skills to understanding the role prior knowledge plays in comprehension. Presents annotations of 11 web sites that give teachers ideas about how to help students construct meaning and how to transact with text in powerful ways. Notes that these strategies…

Discusses why the use of multiple perspectives is critical for classroom teachers. Outlines the serious limitations of a monofocal curriculum, as well as issues that must be addressed in striving for multifocality. (SR)

Provides an annotated list of 12 web sites to turn to for information concerning the ramifications of high-stakes testing. (SG)

Looks at how standards in some form predominate the current landscape of education. Argues that standards pose little threat to teacher autonomy, but that teachers should find what is useful in the standards movement and merge that into what works in the classroom. Argues that educators must join the greater debate about education. (SR)

Describes the author's experience when the director and teacher-trainers of a writing program persuaded him that the oral interpretation he wished them to perform was too troubling and explosive to use. Outlines his questions and anguish about the incident, and the urgency of dealing with the dilemmas of multiculturalism, racial intolerance, and…

Describes what to pack for the English/Language Arts teacher of the new century: a brain (outlining crucial lessons learned about language teaching and learning, important principles, and particular points about writing and reading literature); a heart (since teachers must inspire, nurture, and care about their students); and courage (in the face…