The authors designed an assignment for a writing class for late-secondary and early-college students, one with a central goal of giving students the opportunity to engage with a controversial topic by identifying and representing views other than their own. The authors called it a "not my opinion" assignment, and they piloted it in a…

It is important for students to understand and analyze political language so that they can be participatory members of a democratic society. This article stresses the importance of understanding and analyzing political language. The author claims that the mastery of such skills is what allows students to be participatory members of a democratic…

In an effort to introduce students to a relatively new genre and allow them to evaluate it in the context of how they had been taught in the past, the author created an assignment about graphic novels and literacy that guided students through four short papers, forming a longer research paper for a final project. The students would begin with a…

Leslie David Burns calls teachers to the political forefront, believing that we need to educate our communities about our work by dispelling inaccurate public assumptions about literacy, "best" teaching practices, and accountability standards. He provides teachers with a list of practical steps for "intentional political action" at the grassroots…

Describes techniques employed in public doublespeak and suggests that graffiti is a response to these techniques. (DD)

Lists comments from nine people who reacted to the term "English teacher." Indicates that the public does not want to hear jargon, excuses, and theories about educational problems, but wants instead a renewed commitment to teaching specific communication skills. (RL)

Describes impressions of China, including material things Chinese people value, sight-seeing and school visits, topics of conversation, and the absence of travel luxuries. (EL)

Tracy Sutherland, a secondary school teacher, gives her opinion of the American public education that keeps changing so often that it finally loses its sight of the overall structure. She has taken George Orwell's book "Animal Farm" as examples in helping students apply the issues from the book in real life.

Recounts an experience with a "stage prop" bomb made by the art department for a high school production of John Patrick's play, "Anybody Out There?" (EL)

Discusses what the public wants from educators in public schools, re-evaluates the stereotype of educators, proposes improvement of communication, and recommends a media-blitz to change the public's perception of educators. (JK)

Describes the reaction to his "English Journal" article on gay teens. Discusses loss of job, invitations to give speeches, requests for interviews, and the response of individuals and the administration at the community college where he teaches part time. (EL)

Considers the root of English teachers'"public relations problem" as really a self-image problem. Proposes an examination of the unique features of English instruction in relation to other disciplines, both for cooperative educational improvement and the enhancement of English instruction as a unique discipline. (RL)

Counterpoint between two educators discussing the issue of competency based English instruction. (RL)

Praises the Utah Writing Project and recounts the lack of continuing motivation to continue teaching, outside of isolated incidents. (CRH)

Analyzes the persuasive techniques of advertisements and suggests strategies to promote students' critical reading of these ads. (MM)