The writer reminds readers that the polemics of reform frequently portray the realm of teaching and learning in more extreme terms than is really necessary. Likening calls for educational reform to scientific revolutions sparked by Kuhn, Darwin and Copernicus, that jettison completely the assumptions and premises of the theories they replace, Bond…

Discusses a new orthodoxy about to hit the schools in Australia, which sounds like a piece of "nonsensical madness": guided writing. Cautions educators not to be blinded by new orthodoxies. Encourages teachers to keep their perspective when presented with new teaching ideas. (SG)

Presents reflections of six primary school teachers and their principal on the growth of their literacy program based on whole language principles; and their professional development as teachers of young children. Discusses a nurturing environment, changes in their literacy program, strategies for success, and future goals. (SR)

Discusses three trends in approaches to reading and literacy instruction: (1) the move from basal to literature-based instruction; (2) the move from emphasis on product to emphasis on process; and (3) the trend away from teacher as technician toward teacher as decision maker. States that these trends will result in profound and lasting changes in…

Suggests ways that transactional learning can be reflected in staff development practices. Addresses issues raised during attempts to implement a whole-language staff development program. Contends that what unites whole-language teachers is a unique but common orientation toward instruction and curriculum and that this orientation can be reflected…

Addresses some of the frustrations and challenges teachers and administrators encounter as they seek to make changes in their literacy programs. Discusses new directions, the issues, and ideas to consider in three areas of concern: moving from basals to authentic literature; addressing concerns about phonics, grammar, and spelling; and bridging…

The issue of educational reform and the role of the teacher in the reform process is discussed, using whole language as an example. It is argued that whole-language teachers must develop a theoretical framework that not only informs their views but also provides an understanding of systems and systems change. (Contains 28 references.) (Author/LB)

Examines recent debates on the teaching of reading from the standpoint of science, art, and ideology, focusing on the reading theories, research, and practice of the past two decades. The analysis emphasizes the issue of whole language versus phonics, noting the effects of whole language and phonics on reading achievement. (SM)

This book about reading tracks and questions the 30-year campaign that has focused on testing, accountability, and federalization of education to demonstrate that it is not just whole language advocates who are having problems with the National Reading Panel report and the new education laws. The book gathers together a comprehensive collection of…

Slogans are commonly used to advocate a point or view or a political stance. In education many slogans are used. One of these is the phrase "research shows that..." Many issues must be considered in interpreting research results, and the statement must be considered carefully. "Cooperative learning" is a slogan often advanced,…

Explores the essence of whole language and the change process in moving toward a whole-language orientation. Discusses oversimplifying complexities, moving beyond a focus on practice, whole-language staff development, and concerns for the future in the context of a school district's move toward whole language. (SR)

Presents a speech delivered at the 2001 Whole Language Umbrella Conference in Chicago, Illinois. Considers the situation behind the call for an education rights movement. Discusses how privatizing, corporatizing, and standardizing are happening in many public spheres. Suggests that schools are being manipulated by corporations. Calls for an…

Arguing that whole language must assume a more critical edge if it is to reach its potential as a force for positive change, this book calls on educators to take action to protect themselves against threats from within and outside the whole language movement. Noting that the most obvious challenges are from critics who offer simplistic solutions…

Examines the philosophy of the whole-language approach to teaching and learning. Whole language stresses that language should remain whole and uncontrived and children should use it in ways that relate to their own lives. Answers are not as important as learning processes in the whole-language approach. (SM)

Discusses disciplinary actions against the principal of a small, suburban elementary school in Westchester County, New York, from several vantage points: the legal story, the whole-language story, the leadership story, and the school in the community story. Discusses the struggle of public schools both to constitute and to relate to the policies…