Language Arts - Volume 79, Issue 5, 2002

Karen Cadiero-Kaplan argues that any instructional approach to literacy is based on ideologies that are inherently political. She critically examines the common curricular orientations of functional literacy, cultural literacy, and progressive literacy to position critical literacy and literacy as social action.

Mitzi Lewison, Amy Seely Flint, and Katie Van Sluys identify four dimensions that define critical literacy and then use these as a framework for examining the beliefs and practices of a specific group of teachers beginning to implement a critical literacy curriculum.

Abigail Foss personalizes the role of the teacher by sharing the ways she encourages critical conversations around compelling texts and challenges students in her classroom to problematize the privilege that permeates their lives.

Carole Edelsky connects the story of her grandmother to her own story and to the recognition that we live in history. She argues that the current debate about high-stake testing could be the beginning of a larger movement for educational rights and urges us to make history by taking action for social justice. She has also compiled a list of professional readings on critical literacy and social justice for this issue.

Louise Jennings and Tim O’Keefe explore written conversations as a powerful means of inviting discussions between parents and children about critical issues and human rights.

Critical literacy? What exactly is it? Let Patrick Shannon take you on a narrative ride of his own family’s lives and literacies: a 12-year old daughter, a 15 year-old son, and parents using literacies to engage personal, community and civic dreams.

The authors review four new books that address how readers and writers reposition themselves in the world.

Junko Yokota and Mingshui Cai review new children’s books that consider how people’s lives are affected by social justice issues.

The profile of Milton Meltzer by Barbara Chatton highlights his lifetime of writing nonfiction books related to people and causes he cares about.

Suggestions for further reading on critical literacy.