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…

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)

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)

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

Interviews with 25 people whose jobs require varying amounts of writing (and writing skill) provide at least beginning support for much of the research in composing, especially about the importance of purpose, audience, and the reliability of writing process models. (RL)

Describes problems with standardized testing and urges teachers to educate the public about weaknesses in statewide minimum competency testing. (DD)

Presents four responses to reports by National Commission on Excellence, Twentieth Century Fund, and Carnegie Foundation suggesting (1) teachers are essential to educational success, (2) teachers can use the reports to promote professional objectives, (3) National Commission on Excellence made a serious mistake in trying to alarm Americans into…

Uses information from the ERIC system to show educators how to promote a positive public image. (RL)

Describes a program designed to improve and expand communication between the National Council of Teachers of English and English language arts educators, other professional associations, the public at large, and the legislative and executive branches of federal and state governments. (DD)

Notes how the wording of questions can affect the results of surveys and questionnaires. Suggests activities to help students become critical listeners, viewers, and readers. (RL)

Recounts a teacher's experience at the week-long IFTE (International Federation of Teachers of English) conference at New York University, which attempted to help educators respond to conservative criticism of educational pedagogical approaches and trends. Describes a small group experience. (TB)