Suggests that instead of thinking about literacy as an entity, thinking about literacy as social practice can be revolutionary. Argues that rather than think in terms of phonics, spelling, and grammar, it is helpful to think about what kinds of literacy one needs in order to read things critically. Discusses multiple literacies, literacy as a…

Notes that the author's concern is in identifying an old focus of literacy instruction and giving teachers license to leave it behind to make room for new recommended practices. Suggests that this article is a license to discard time-consuming practices to make room for more meaningful literacy activities. (SG)

Describes what a rich literacy classroom encompasses. Notes that the foundation of any lasting change or improvement in education in the United States is the individual teacher in the individual classroom, working in service of students' learning. (SG)

Argues that, for new immigrant children, literacy education that challenges students to speak and engage in meaningful work (not worksheets and handwriting practice) is the key to initiating them into American culture, to helping them feel this country is their home, and to unlocking their lonely hearts. Focuses on the special problems of Chinese…

Explains why being able to use the latest electronic technologies has everything to do with being literate. Argues that hypermedia design has particular strengths that help to support student literacy development. Shows how hypermedia design is easily adaptable into current school structures and constraints. Describes how students in a design…

Presents conversations between the authors (public school teachers and participants in a graduate level teacher action research course) and six people in language education who have greatly affected the teachers' work (Dixie Goswami, Tom Newkirk, Donald Graves, Nancie Atwell, Linda Rief, and Tom Romano) regarding issues these leading educators…