Argues that holistic, transactional views of the reading process have been uprooted and replaced with what has been labeled "balanced" instruction. Presents a brief outline of the California requirements for instruction incorporating phonics. Concludes by encouraging whole language teachers to stand together because their beliefs are…

Examines four aspects of whole language (definition, implementation, skills instruction, and assessment) from the perspective of eight school administrators, four building principals and four curriculum directors. Finds the administrators viewed whole language as an instructional approach rather than as an instructional philosophy. (NH)

Proposes a curricular framework that provides an alternative view of "balance" in guided reading and literature discussion groups. Suggests several possible scenarios for the future of literature in classroom instruction. Presents a curricular model for a literature-rich classroom. (NH)

The pilot project described in this report involved the development of an integrated art and music curriculum model for elementary grades. In this discussion, an example of one integrated unit is described for each of grades one through six. The curriculum units are centered around literary or musical themes that incorporate a variety of…

A paper describes how David Bohm's holographic world view can be used to design a whole language program. Characterized by interconnectedness and multidimensionality, Bohm's holographic paradigm joins Eastern and Western belief systems in an old fashion pursuit of wisdom, on the one hand, and a new fashion pursuit of solutions to nonlinear…

Discusses the whole literacy curriculum, which encompasses ownership, the writing process, reading comprehension, language and vocabulary knowledge, word reading and spelling strategies, voluntary reading. Outcomes of a five-year implementation effort in Hawaii indicate curriculum can improve literacy achievement of students of diverse…

A study evaluated two El Paso, Texas bilingual education program types, including a state-mandated transitional model (n=18 schools, 5,607 students) and a bilingual immersion program (n=19 schools, 4,717 students). Both programs are designed so students will exit after grade 4, but some continue in grades 5 and 6. Student characteristics are…

Summarizes key characteristics of whole language. Theoretical views of learners, teachers, language, and curriculum are explicated. The strong research base for whole language is considered. Potential research on whole language classrooms is discussed. (BB)

This study investigated the effectiveness of Project RIME, a project designed to support teachers in integrating more explicit instruction for children at-risk for reading failure into their curricula. Although the 11 teachers became more positive and knowledgeable toward using explicit instruction, their orientation toward implicit and…

Asserts that the whole-language approach is a philosophy of learning in which children construct knowledge by actively engaging in classroom projects that have real meaning for them. Describes thematic studies using a whole-language approach in which children (with teacher assistance) decide what themes will be studied. (CFR)

The key to developmentally appropriate practices is to let a child construct his or her own knowledge through interactions with the social and physical environment. Because the child is viewed as intrinsically motivated and self-directed, effective teaching capitalizes on the child's motivation to explore, experiment, and to make sense of his or…

The origins, rationale, and design of a program to prepare refugee children for elementary school experiences in the United States are described. The program, conducted in overseas refugee camps, began in 1987 as a complement to adult transitional programs. All children receive 18 weeks of instruction, with a schedule and activities similar to…