Replies to Carole Edelsky's response to the authors' article on the schism between proponents of whole language and traditional language arts instruction. Defends the questions posed by the authors' research agenda, and suggests that diverse research methodologies can be employed in tandem to address them. Calls for collaboration among…

This book aims to help teachers who are committed to whole language principles explain the philosophy to their students' parents. It addresses the concerns of parents who most likely grew up in a traditional, teacher-centered educational system, and who therefore might be unfamiliar with a whole language approach to language arts. Drawing on work…

The whole language approach to reading instruction emphasizes a literature-based program rather than the traditional skills-related approach. The principles and practices of whole language have engendered both educational and political debate for the following reasons: whole language challenges the traditional educational power arrangement, giving…