Language research over the past two decades has revealed that language is not something children "acquire," but rather a system they build. A key factor in this linguistic construction is children's interaction with parents or other caregivers. The studies reveal further that children's repeated interactions with books and stories and…

Defines integration then makes specific suggestions for classroom teachers (e.g., initiate discussions and activities to develop positive attitudes toward racial/cultural groups, select unbiased textbooks, teach to specific objectives) and for principals (e.g., communicate high expectations, require teachers to stress basic skills, observe in…

Using reading and writing to learn, inquire, construct, and examine ideas across the curriculum is central to an integrated curriculum. Too many middle school students do not view writing as a communication process that permeates the curriculum, nor reading as an active, constructivist process whereby various perspectives can be examined and…