The paper describes two experiments conducted to improve writing skills of learning disabled adolescents. Experiment 1 used creative prompts plus a cut and paste editing strategy. In experiment 2, the same creative prompts were used with the Bank Street word processing program. Writing samples were scored for composition quality (holistic, number…

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the individualized writing laboratory program at Solano Community College, comparisons were made in fall 1983 among students enrolled in the Writing Skills Laboratory (WSL), students enrolled in English Fundamentals (EF), and students concurrently enrolled in both WSL and EF (WSL+EF). Within each of the…

Growing scientific literature provides a perspective of literacy that is at variance with traditional points of view, which see literacy as a unitary, dichotomous, psychological capability that is learned with the appropriate educational opportunity. However, an individual is not easily categorized as literate or illiterate. While the goal is to…

Drawn from John Downing's original report, "What Can We Learn from Other Countries About Reading and the Use of Language?" Describes the three strengths of the British reading instruction as compared to similar programs in other countries: child-centered approach, the relative importance of learning to read in a child's total…

Insists that rather than putting the art work at a disadvantage through either a condemnatory or overpraiseful handling that makes a reader suspect the work's credibility, the student or professional critic should feel obligated to immerse himself in that work and report his feelings. (TO)

Presents several ideas for enlivening newspaper writing without sacrificing accuracy or coverage. (TO)

A rationale for writing more children's plays by experimental theatre playwrights. (CH)

Responding to John Bormuth's econometric argument for a more balanced program of support for reading and writing instruction, this paper considers some of the reasons that literacy policy has not been formulated in the economically most rational manner. These reasons include the fact that reading instruction has become politicized, the…

Over 2000 samples of the writing of eleven to eighteen year olds were analyzed as part of an attempt to formulate and validate a system for categorizing student writing. The system that resulted has two dimensions: the function served by the piece of writing and the audience to which it is addressed. Significant associations were found between the…

Describes the use of free-form writing and interviewing as methods of improving junior college students writing skills. (RB)

The thesis in this paper centered around the meaning of "effective" speaking and "effective" writing. The dimensions of effective prose are analyzed as one method of determining what is involved. (Author/RK)