Word processing presents a new, creative environment that demands a radically different approach to second-language writing. Originating, revising, and formatting are important new literacy skills that students need to make effective use of the medium. (six references) (Author/CB)

System D is a computer program for writing in French. This program has a tracking device that provides a log of student inquiries made during the writing process. Twenty-one college students of French participated in a study to examine how this log provides data about the foreign language writing process. Suggestions are given on how to use the…

It is proposed that both home and classroom reading activities influence writing skill acquisition. Relevant research in first- and second-language learning is reviewed and use of reading and independent reading to enhance writing skill acquisition is discussed. Extensive use of these activities in the French immersion classroom is recommended.…

Analyzes the effects of eight reading and writing lessons designed to increase adolescent thinking ability. Finds that the lessons increased thinking abilities and scholastic achievement of middle school students. Notes that the lessons positively affect students' self-esteem and communication skills. (RS)

The paper outlines the development of a scale describing the progression of literacy skills, based on similar scales used in second-language acquisition. The scale is shown to have high reliability and appropriate criterion validity. Use of the scale to analyze student reading development is illustrated. Appended are descriptions of the scale's…

Three elementary teachers describe how they became involved in computer technology and the projects that caught their interest. One teacher used word processing to enhance students' writing abilities. Another used software to tailor learning to all levels. The third tried an international telecommunications program that allowed children to…

Presents suggestions for staff development efforts to encourage teachers and administrators to write for publication. The article discusses reasons to write, then explains the steps to consider when writing for professional publication: prewriting and freewriting, creating the manuscript, fixing and polishing, and selecting a journal. (SM)

Investigates the ability of children at two grades and reading ability levels to write functionally appropriate expository texts. Finds that (1) virtually all the children understand the function and audience for exposition; and (2) reading level is significantly more related than grade level to sophisticated use of cohesion, organization, and a…

Describes a study conducted at Collin County Community College to assess the writing performance of different student populations. Offers observations about writing assessment for external validity. Suggests simple procedures for quantifying writing competency. Includes a proposal for portfolio assessment. (DMM)

Shares the success stories of the students, teacher, and director of an award-winning high school newspaper in Boston. (MG)

Describes a letter-writing campaign in which students in an English class wrote to their state representatives opposing a bill intended to restrict the viewing of certain films in the classroom. Demonstrates the students' attention to the effects of their writing on their audience, and on their own image as writers. (PRA)

Describes how a North Carolina school system's integrated English/Social Studies pilot program helped ninth grade students develop more awareness of their local, state, and national community. Notes that the program features research, writing, and literary analysis, as well as a planned program for the "common good." (PRA)

Describes a learning activity that helps children learn to combine the journalistic writing style found in newspaper headlines with the story structure of novels. (MG)

Introduces a four-step process of clustering to help students integrate their reading and writing skills to produce better papers in their college courses. Provides students writing samples from before and after clustering. (MG)

The influences of writing tasks and gender on the quality of student writing of black and white eighth graders were examined. Data from statewide writing assessments of 170,899 Georgia students indicated both writing tasks and student characteristics were significant predictors of writing quality. There were both racial and gender differences. (SM)