Traces the evolution of the first author's philosophy and practice to show how progressive educational practices have come to challenge cultural norms. Discusses multiple literacies, making whole language critical, learners and the real world as curricular informants, interrupting normativity through literature and the arts, and being critical and…

Presents a speech delivered at the 2001 Whole Language Umbrella Conference in Chicago, Illinois. Considers the situation behind the call for an education rights movement. Discusses how privatizing, corporatizing, and standardizing are happening in many public spheres. Suggests that schools are being manipulated by corporations. Calls for an…

Presents key questions reflecting research in first/second language acquisition and whole language principles: is curriculum organized around "big" questions?; are students involved in authentic reading and writing?; are students given choices?; is content meaningful?; do students work collaboratively?; do students read, write, speak, and listen…