In considering the development of language arts tests, a distinction can be made between statistical issues and ontological matters involving the objective existence and adequate characterization of the phenomenon being measured. Careful examination of standardized, norm-referenced tests and criterion-referenced tests in the areas of reading and…

The message of current popular television shows in which the hero is, or appears to be, a dumb clod (e.g., Archie Bunker, Fred Sanford, Columbo, and Barnaby Jones), apparently is that corruption may be equated with articulation, wealth, and education, while virtue may be equated with poverty and, often, illiteracy. Unfortunately, the effect of…

In the fall of 1975, a committee on the use of English was appointed by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois to determine the nature of the writing problem in the college, to assess its significance, and to make recommendations for the improvement of student writing. As part of their work, the committee obtained…

The responsibility for freshman composition programs should be taken from English departments and given to departments of literacy. (JH)

Describes the way that the Diagnostic English Test (DET), a writing skills laboratory, and a basic journalism course combine to monitor, correct, and improve journalism student writing ability while keeping journalism program standards at a consistent level. (RL)

Presented in this article are suggested strategies for developing skills in written communication. The topics addressed include spelling and syntax. Emphasis is on individualized student needs and making instruction functional and relevant to the requirements of today's society. (EB)

This article discusses the use of books, concrete experiences, and poetry as springboards to creative writing in the foreign language classroom. Examples are given for each of the three techniques. (CFM)

A writing exercise consisting of a description of an automobile accident was carried out by two groups, one consisting of skilled workers, the other of professionals. The results were compared in terms of clarity, length, grammar, vocabulary, and tone. (AM)

Shows how business letter writers at an inservice workshop improved their skills by ovserving their own writings from the viewpoint of others and by making their styles more flexible. (RL)

A short analysis of four methods of instruction in writing, particularly the transition from the aural-oral to the writing stage. The question is raised as to the usefulness of pictures. They might be better used as a motivational aid than as an instructional tool. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

Examines the relationship between writer and audience as perceived by teacher and student in the learning process and the testing of learning. Reviews some features which influence and distort the teacher's perceptions of written work. Suggests that the use of student attitudes about writing can increase the reliability and validity of…

Discusses research on verbal creativity conducted in Rome, Italy, which analyzed 320 free compositions written by children between the ages of 8 and 11. (CFM)

Examines the values of using a language-experience approach for teaching written composition. Urges teachers to use a variety of stimuli, such as field trips, exploring the environment, films, filmstrips, recordings, to extend and expand the child's experience and language backgrounds to facilitate growth in reading and writing. (Editor/RK)

Cites the need for remedial courses in writing at the college level. (MKM)