Maintains that whole language is not a prescriptive approach but a philosophy oriented toward student needs, inquiry, interaction, and, generally, "transaction" over "transmission." Discusses how a teacher becomes a whole language teacher, some of the difficulties of incorporating whole language into traditional curriculums, and the prospects for…

Describes the whole language "way of being" from the perspective of a department chair teaching remedial 9th-grade and honors 12th-grade students. Considers how whole language fits into standardized testing programs, what students take away from whole language, what its general characteristics are, and how it fits with student learning patterns…

Defines whole language as a spirit that provides shape or climate for a classroom by emphasizing the use of literature and activities that are experience or contextually based. Explains that whole language approaches strive for authentic or real situations in which learning comes naturally. Maintains that whole language is not just a trend. (TB)

Describes a classroom in which the teacher has developed a sense of community through her emphasis on whole-language instruction. Describes the organizational patterns of both the teacher's and the children's activities in this exemplary whole-language classroom. Documents instances of collaboration and student choice. (SR)

The theory and practice of whole language teaching should be integral and simultaneous components of preservice teacher education. A number of instructional strategies and class activities can be used to provide preservice teachers with experiences similar to experiences they will provide to elementary school children. Examples of class activities…

Describes a kindergarten classroom project that promoted student choice and decision making by providing time for the students to pursue their own interests. This student-directed project that included cooperative learning, parent involvement, and upper-grade students as assistants gave kindergartners the opportunity for independent and…

A study examined a program for promoting standard writing skill development to facilitate effective communication. Targeted were three regular third- and fourth-grade classes and one bilingual fourth-grade class in growing, middle class communities located west of a large metropolitan area. The lack of developmentally appropriate spelling and…

Describes a special project, in which at-risk ninth graders created a package of materials that a Peace Corps volunteer could take with him to Kyrghyzstan, where he was to teach English. Explains how the package contained an array of student-generated materials, including videos, newspapers, alphabet books, and cassette readings. (TB)

This brief bulletin addresses seven "myths" of tracking or ability grouping with gifted students in response to what is seen as a current movement against both ability grouping and tracking, which are characterized by the "anti-tracking" movement as inflexible and unaccommodating of a varied schedule. The following myths are countered: (1)…

Describes a qualitative case study of the total classroom environment created by an exemplary whole-language teacher. Emergent categories and member checks indicated that the classroom environment was organized according to three major principles (collaboration, student independence, and student self-evaluation). This classroom environment is…

This exploratory research describes results of a thematic literature-based unit in an upper elementary, self-contained class for students with learning disabilities. Social and collaborative activities included reading, writing, and speaking on the topic of friendship. Literacy outcomes are illustrated in three case histories. (DB)

A field-tested instruction and assessment model is described that fosters development of second-language skills by integrating writing with listening, speaking, reading, and problem solving. The model draws upon elements of process-oriented instruction, whole language learning, cooperative learning, cognitive mapping, and reading and writing…

This paper describes the experience of a fourth- and fifth-grade, first-year teacher's participation in the Book Club Project of the Center for the Learning and Teaching of Elementary Subjects. The Book Club included the use of high-quality children's literature, opportunities for response to literature in multiple ways, and instruction that…

Describes middle and high schools in Upper Arlington (Ohio) that use the whole-language approach to teaching and learning. The schools emphasize student-centered education, cooperative learning, and student involvement in decision making. The curriculum is fully integrated, with writing used as a learning tool in all subject areas. (SM)

This document includes a pamphlet and report pertaining to International Paper Company's EDCORE (Education and Community Resources) grant program. The pamphlet describes the program which awards grants in communities where International Paper Company's employees live and work. It highlights three EDCORE grants in Louisiana, Wisconsin, and Maine.…