The whole-language approach is discussed as a perspective-in-practice anchored in a vision of a equitable, diverse society. (Contains four references.) (LB)

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…

Critical whole language practice, like any other pedagogy, is enacted within a particular time and place. We present several features of critical whole language practice (as distinguished from two other variants of critical education: critical literacy and critical pedagogy) and illustrate each with examples from one year in one elementary school…

Disputes the version of whole language presented by Michael McKenna et al. in the preceding article. Argues that whole language is an educational paradigm complete with theoretical, philosophical, and political assumptions and a congruent research agenda. Contends that "paradigm blindness" prevents critics from seeing the legitimacy of…