We hope that lots of things are. The world of education is boiling with contention, and English teachers are certainly in the thick of it. Critics from all ranks say that the U.S. is becoming a nation of illiterates and that standards in both reading and writing are ludicrous. Kids, they say, just can't read or write as they used to. What do you think? Let us know what is going on in the world of English education.
We would like to publish as many letters as we get. Perhaps some of these items might inspire some thought--and ultimately some writing:
censorship
the necessity for grammar
teacher certification standards
anthologies vs. selected whole texts
multicultural education
changing the literary canon
computers and writing
necessity of professional organizations
teacher education programs
writing to learn
whole language teaching philosophy
teaching students to read literature
standardized testing
These are only a few of the issues that deserve our time and intellect. We hope that many of you will write. Your efforts will benefit not only the organization but you as a professional. I know that you are busy, but if you can squeeze out a few moments to write, everyone will gain.
Send your letters to:
Jim Swanson
Liberal Arts
Dakota State University
Madison SD 57042
If you have computer capability, you can send them to: Swansonj@columbia.dsu.edu