Examines concerns regarding the current external and internal attacks on Basic Writing in relation to the entire field of composition studies. Argues that new "recognition work" is needed in Basic Writing. Exemplifies the possibility of developing the capacity to see local communities not as places to export composition's beneficence, but as…

Describes both past and more recent efforts by the California State University (CSU) system to come to terms with "remediation." Describes recently mandated collaborations between high school language arts faculty and CSU English faculty to reduce the need for remediation. Describes an ongoing outreach program addressing the needs of…

Discusses the state of access to higher education among disenfranchised students, considering the systemic attack on economically impoverished students in higher education. Describes a group of students enrolled in the University of Minnesota General College under a pilot welfare reform program which was terminated abruptly for political reasons.…

Describes an experimental six-week summer intensive course in basic writing in which the instructor assumes the identity of "Ms. Mystery" and exchanges weekly letters with each of the students. Provides excerpts as well as analysis of these letters and argues the efficacy of letter writing as a pedagogic tool. (KEH)

Discusses principles about writing instruction that emerged from mainstreaming basic writers in first-year composition at California State University, Chico: (1) students learn college writing by being in the context of college writing, not some other context; and (2) literacy learning does not come in discreet levels. Describes how writers in…