English Language Arts A Critical Introduction Critical Introductions in Education Series

English Language Arts offers both undergraduates and starting-graduate students in education an introduction to the connections that exist between language arts and a critical orientation to education. Because language influences all aspects of education, English teachers have a unique responsibility to create opportunities for learners to cultivate literacy practices that will empower them to reach their potential. Applying critical and theoretical perspectives to teaching English language arts, this primer considers how meanings are made in intersecting spaces of learners, teachers, and texts.

Julie Gorlewski shows future and current teachers how critical English language arts education can be put into practice with concrete strategies and examples in both formal and informal educational settings. With opportunities for readers to engage in deeper discussion through suggested activities, English Language Arts? pedagogical features include:

• Model Classroom Scenarios
• Extension Questions
• Glossary of Key Terms

Introduction 1. What Does It Mean to Teach English Language Arts? 2. Who Are Learners and Teachers, Really? 3. Curriculum in English Classrooms: Who Should decide? 4. How Can We Teach Texts in Context? 5. Being and Becoming Writers: Who Can Be an Author? 6. The Politics of Teaching: Are Teachers Agents of the State or Agents of Change? Appendix A. Using the EXPAND Framework to Foster Critical Reflection Appendix B. Glossary of Key Terms Index

Julie Gorlewski is associate professor and chair of the Department of Learning and Instruction at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. A former English teacher and editor of English Journal, she has published nine books and numerous articles and book chapters.