Information technology (IT) is transforming the world. Therefore, exposing students to computing at an early age is important. And, although computing is being introduced into schools, students from a low socio-economic status background still do not have such an opportunity. Furthermore, existing computing programs may need to be adjusted in…

"What is a fandom, and why do fandoms matter for school?" Fandoms are passionate communities dedicated to appreciating and engaging with texts of interest (movies, TV shows, books, bands, brands, sports teams, etc.) via personally and communally meaningful literacy practices. It is increasingly obvious that scripted literacy curricula…

This book brings literacy research and culturally relevant pedagogy together to offer a comprehensive vision of what socially just teaching can look like in the secondary English classroom. The author, an experienced professional developer and teacher, provides a powerful framework for analyzing classroom instruction with regard to ideals of…

Studying the Holocaust provides an opportunity to explore a fascinating historical topic whose impact on the contemporary world cannot be overstated. As such, the topic is now an accepted part of the American secondary school curriculum. For such curricula to be of maximum benefit to students, clearly defined perspectives that direct the students'…

"Where is God now?" is a question from the Holocaust memoir "Night" by Elie Wiesel and an underlying narrative dilemma for the teachers and most student participants in this qualitative study of three Holocaust units in secondary English classrooms in the Midwestern United States. Using a narrative theory framework, this study explores how…

Presents a detailed rationale for the development of learning activities that infuse quantitative concepts and skills into secondary-level social studies classes, outlines the phases of project development, and briefly discusses the content of the learning activities developed by the project staff. (Author/JEG)

Asserts that an effective approach to mythology should illustrate the connection among international myths, folktales, and legends that continue to be told in current literature and media. Explains how sample units on mythology could implement two phases of instruction: an introductory unit, and a reacquaintance with the themes of the first unit…

General discussion of the problems and opportunities of mixed ability English instruction, followed by an example of a particualr unit of work. (AA)

A unit on cartoons was used in a high school economics course. Students studied the symbolism used in cartooning, the background factors that form a basis for the cartoon, techniques and approaches used by various artists, and the validity and significance of messages offered by cartoonists. (AM)

Asserts that the key to incorporating music effectively into the English classroom is to provide a context for the music. Describes a teacher's introduction to Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" that demonstrates one way to use music and which helps accomplish the goals of the literary unit. (PRA)

Describes Ellen Norman Melamed's Playwriting Project, a 15-session classroom program that requires each participating student to write and design a play, to do at least one revision of each stage of his/her work, and to submit a critical assessment of the experience at the end of the term. (PRA)

Outlines a Year 10 unit on teaching "Romeo and Juliet" based on standard experiential conventions which include the following: (1) Teacher in Role, (2) Soundscaping, (3) Freeze Frames, (4) Alter Egos, (5) Hot Seating, and (6) Role Playing. Suggests that these conventions can be applied to the study of any Shakespearean play. (NH)

"A Natural Dialogue Unit" by Vincent Wixon and "Introducing Simile" by Patty Stone are provided as examples of successful techniques for helping students draw upon their knowledge of language. (DD)

A method was designed to provide history students an opportunity to make interpretations and form hypotheses about historical events and eras. The teacher created representative "facts" and questions about a topic and let students use them to make their own hypotheses. A sample unit on European history, 1300-1450, is included. (KC)

Contains six lesson plans and student materials for a unit on global food distribution and the problems of world hunger for secondary social studies classes. Students study nutrition, population distribution, poverty, the causes of hunger, and economic development, and generate personal actions to solve the hunger problem. (AM)