This article aims to clarify concerns regarding what constitutes acceptable scholarship in education at a time when such scholarship is under challenge from publications and institutions with a strong bias toward policy advocacy. This is accomplished by examining the Fordham Foundation--supported publication "Whole-Language High Jinks"…

The purpose of this study was to examine how my reading instruction had been situated within my school's literacy program. As a way to investigate this study, I employed qualitative teacher research. I used reading theory (Whole Language and Direct Instruction) as the analytical lens for my analysis. The results illustrated how the Direct…

Analyzes journal articles pertaining to whole-language instruction in elementary classrooms to compile a definition for this term. Finds that definitions and descriptions of whole language vary widely throughout the literature and that differences exist between school- and university-based authors' perceptions of the concept. (RS)

Reports on an exploratory comparative study of the impact of whole language on four elementary school libraries. Finds that librarians were excited about the impact of whole language, and that they wanted to talk to someone about it. Concludes that whole language empowers librarians. (RS)

Presents a case study of a sixth grade teacher trying to increase her use of literature for language arts instruction. Shows the challenges and successes of attempting to get better at teaching. (PRA)

The whole language movement evolved partly from a larger political context. Anti-whole language arguments were responses to increased student and teacher empowerment threatening traditional hierarchies and certain characterizations of whole language. By calling whole language a point on the pendular cycle, critics mounted an aggressive campaign in…

Shows that motivation research is generally compatible with and supportive of the whole language philosophy of instruction. Provides explicit motivational reasons why whole language practices might be effective. Suggests whole language classrooms provide settings where motivation researchers can investigate the success of motivation principles,…

Since the rise of the whole language movement, Sylvia Ashton-Warner's key vocabulary, individualized reading, and experience charts have been notable for their omission from the many books available on whole language. Whole language strength is notable in at least four major areas: (1) its learner-centeredness; (2) its scorn of commercial…

Investigates nationwide practices in language instruction, the nature of changes, and perceptions and reactions of teachers. Finds that 85% of teachers followed a curriculum guide; teachers appeared to react diversely to the philosophy of whole language; and whole language appeared to be gaining a foothold in suburban schools of approximately 300…

Interviews a group of New York teachers to investigate the issues that teachers confront as they make the transition to whole language and attempt to sustain it. Discusses the amount of work involved in whole language instruction; relations with other faculty members, administrators, and parents; organization of instruction; defining whole…

A descriptive study determined the extent to which the language experience approach (LEA) is used in the kindergarten and first grades of six northwest Bergen County, New Jersey, school districts. Anonymous surveys were mailed to all kindergarten and first-grade teachers in these districts. Forty-five (63%) of the surveys were returned. Results…

Slogans are commonly used to advocate a point or view or a political stance. In education many slogans are used. One of these is the phrase "research shows that..." Many issues must be considered in interpreting research results, and the statement must be considered carefully. "Cooperative learning" is a slogan often advanced,…

Describes an ESL department's whole language approach to writing and reading, replacing its traditional grammar-based ESL instructional sequence. Reports the positive quantitative and qualitative results of the first three years of using the new approach. (KEH)

This response to Gersten and Dimino (EC 606 357) claims that their paper: (1) does not emphasize the considerable research literature associated with both the whole language and direct instructional approaches; (2) does not help teachers make balanced instructional decisions; (3) focuses on extreme positions; and (4) considers motivation only in…

The grassroots movement of whole language philosophies and their applications continue to be attempted by classroom teachers. However, even though educators have been provided with whole language theoretical foundations formulated through solid research conducted in the past 20 years, application into theory involves much more than traditional…