Teachers College Press

Teaching English Today:
Advocating Change in the Secondary Curriculum

Edited by Barrie R. C. Barrell, Roberta F. Hammett, John S. Mayher, and Gordon M. Pradl
Foreword by Patrick Shannon
Language & Literacy
Pub Date: April 2004, 168 pages

Paperback: $25.95, ISBN: 0807744778
Cloth: $50, ISBN: 0807744786

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"In this book, Barrell, Hammett, Mayher, and Pradl meet the old and new challenges to English education head on. TheyÕve assembled a celebrated group of educators and researchers who take up the issues of text, reading, writing, culture, knowledge, and history."
—From the Foreword by Patrick Shannon

This book offers a rare examination of the secondary English curriculum, focusing on current trends and looking pragmatically at reform initiatives. Providing both a review and a heads-up about what's new—or what should be new—in English classrooms, this accessible text:

Features essays from well-known educators and researchers, in the United States and Canada, who provide insight and offer a wide-range of perspectives on todayÕs secondary English language arts education.
Challenges the field to re-conceptualize its purpose and value while urging language arts educators to rethink their practice.
Focuses on contemporary issues, including assessment, multiculturalism, critical literacy, expanding definitions of text and literacy, technology in the classroom, censorship, the power of mass media, and much more.
Raises pertinent questions about mandated curricula, high-stakes testing, conventional teaching practices, and teacher preparation.

Contributors: Sarah W. Beck, Maryann Dickar, Ursula A. Kelly, Carmen Kynard, Margaret Mackey, Jill Kedersha McClay, Robert Morgan, and John Willinsky

Barrie R. C. Barrell is Professor of English Education at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Roberta F. Hammett is Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, Faculty of Education, Memorial University of Newfoundland. John S. Mayher is Professor of English Education at New York University where he also serves as Director of Teacher Education. Gordon M. Pradl is Professor of English Education at New York University.