Suggests that the dangers and risks in whole language are real and irremedial, and educators' only recourse is to take responsibility for its shadow side and attempt to learn the lessons that even "monstrous examples" portend. (RS)

Discusses findings from research with the South Brunswick, New Jersey, schools--where an Early Literacy Portfolio was in use across the district for over five years. Finds that instruction and assessment were more closely aligned than in the past and that teachers felt confident in their abilities to make sound instructional decisions and to…