This is the first volume of the two-volume English "Notebook" compiled by the English committee of the National Association of Independent Schools. The "Notebook" focuses on grades 5-9 (with implications for grades 10-12) and emphasizes the increasing diversity of the student population in independent schools. This volume contains the committee's "General Statement"; specific statements, practical guidelines, and bibliographies on the teaching of English in the areas of language, literature, and composition; detailed suggestions for the use of nonprint media; and a section on language, literature, and the minority student. A general bibliography concludes the volume. (JM)