Abstract
This paper owes to different formal and individual explorations of language arts approaches and methods including work towards a language arts portfolio, an exercise helping to recognize the vast range of materials available to Canadian teachers, at large, in relation to their adopted philosophies of teaching. The writer maintains that a guiding study that has promoted much thought on the overall goals of language arts instruction has been Think Literacy Success, a Government of Ontario report on approaches to promoting literacy at the Grades 7 to 12 levels which emphasizes gaps in abilities and opportunities, student groups especially at risk, and the overall role of language arts in seeing that students are prepared to communicate well in society. The writer notes that it seems important to think through the environment in which one will teach with central Canada offering unique challenges of diversity less pronounced in regions beyond the main cities. In the same spirit, The writer discusses that teachers serving isolated impoverished or otherwise limited communities of less heterogeneity need to find approaches to an overall ideal of instilling interest and skill.

Outline:
Introduction
Portfolio Tasks
Reflection on Professional Development
Mechanics of Portfolio and Teaching Development
Bottom Up Model of Reading
Professional Development Goals
Future Activities
Concluding Remarks

From the Paper
"Various course and seminar offerings now exist that are geared to language arts teachers. In addition, there is an ever-growing literature of research on the subjects of literacy, factors impeding literacy and language development, curriculum design and teaching pedagogy. However, one needs to aim to for practical experience which should be diverse. For example, attending classes for second language learners in a Board of Education setting is different from tutoring adult learners in basic literacy having been involved in the criminal justice system. When watching very experienced language arts teachers at work one sees the results of perhaps many years given to students of different kinds, in perhaps several school systems, and more than one country. Teachers can appreciate to varying degrees what colleagues educated elsewhere can impart, especially those having served abroad and perhaps in educational systems requiring English-medium instruction for students of diverse first languages. Education does seem a profession in which the teacher is forever meeting individuals from whom learning is possible. The same can be said of students, and what is suddenly discovered in some in terms of a hidden ability, another language spoken, or the ability to illustrate written work."

Tags:teaching, students, exercise, literacy

Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at portfolio project and endorsing portfolio projects for teachers and students. The writer discusses the need for teacher reflection, aims of promoting Bottom Up reading and basic skills but above all, student curiosity that will greatly promote further language acquisition if needed, or general language skills. The writer uses various U.K. and U.S. references in addition to Canadian and a particular focus on Ontario.

From the Paper
"This paper owes to different formal and individual explorations of language arts approaches and methods including work towards a language arts portfolio, an exercise helping to recognize the vast range of materials available to Canadian teachers, at large, in relation to their adopted philosophies of teaching. A guiding study that has promoted much thought on the overall goals of language arts instruction has been Think Literacy Success, a Government of Ontario report on approaches to promoting literacy at the Grades 7 to 12 levels which emphasizes gaps in ..."

Tags:language, arts, reflection, philosophy

Abstract
This paper explains that language arts can benefit from the use of technology when teachers incorporate it into their daily instruction for such uses as providing study guides, quizzing students, enhancing the subject, supporting individual students and involving parents with their children's learning. The author points out that the use of technology in the language arts department can be especially perilous or productive depending on the way it is used and the competence of the teacher using it because language arts is a more subjective academic subject than math or the sciences and is opened to more misinformation from the Internet. The paper concludes that the use of technology in teaching has been studied from many different angles in many different manners, but the focus has rarely been on the attitudes and beliefs held by English teachers in the use of technology in the classroom. The paper includes two illustrations.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Case History of Technology and Language Arts
The Impact of Technology on Education
Obstacles to Using Technology
Technology and Language Arts
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The meta-analysis also focuses on writing skills for students who do and do not use computers and word processors for their writing. It determined that students who learn to use word processing for their writing needs learn better writing skills than those who do not use word processing programs for their writing needs. In light of this, it is surprising to find so much resistance in the current educational field regarding the use of technology in teaching and specifically Language Arts."

Tags:daily, internet, case, word-processing, competence

Abstract
This paper shows how art is an important part of education that is dying in many public schools. The writer examines how budget cuts often shift priorities to basic subjects leaving children without a formal art education. The paper states that art is a valuable tool that teaches children to communicate and also augments the learning process in subjects such as mathematics and language. Many studies have found that when children are exposed to art, it has valuable effects on their learning process.

From the Paper
"When implemented in public schools, art helps raise self-confidence while creating problem solving skills and communication. Unlike math and reading, when children create art they are always successful because there is no right or wrong in art. This gives a child a sense of achievement and success, raising their academic self-confidence. Art also helps children figure out how they want to express themselves, thus building problem-solving skills. Art focuses on making your internal thoughts external images or sounds creating a superior way for children to learn to communicate effectively. When you take all of these factors and apply them to a child s education the result is obvious. Studies show that the cognitive skills and spatial reasoning that art offers are essential for math. The communication of art often helps children become more successful in language classes. When a student becomes involved in an art program, the drop out rate dramatically decreases. Art is an exciting and fun way for students to feel more successful in school."

Tags:academic, art, confidence, education, school, self

Abstract
The paper discusses how in recent years, significant innovation has taken place in terms of the state of the art in high school academic subjects. The paper relates that in many ways, technological advancements have inspired new types of curriculum as well as progressive pedagogical approaches in the classroom. In light of these exciting changes, the paper examines the state of the art in high school academic subjects including science, language arts, career/ vocational education, and the arts.

From the Paper
"In recent years, significant innovation has taken place in terms of the state of the art in high school academic subjects. In many ways, technological advancements have inspired new types of curriculum as well as progressive pedagogical approaches in the classroom. In light of these exciting changes, the following discussion examines the state of the art in high school academic subjects including Science, language arts, career/ vocational education, and the arts."

Tags:language arts, science, arts

Abstract
This paper discusses the general problem of decreased achievement among high school students in language arts and mathematics. It looks at the significance and impact of the problem, the interests of high school students and presents a research design to investigate the problem.

From the Paper
"The general problem is that high school students demonstrate decreased achievement levels in mathematics and language arts literacy compared to middle school levels..."

Tags:high school student language arts, mathematics

Abstract
This paper provides overviews of four books related to early childhood education: "Early Education Curriculum: A Child's Connection to the World" by Hilda L. Jackman, "Major Trends and Issues in Early Childhood Education: Challenges, Controversies, and Insights" by Joan Packer Isenberg, "Care and Education in Early Childhood: A Student's Guide to Theory and Practice" by Maureen O'Hanagan, and "Early Childhood Experiences in Language Arts: Emerging Literacy" by Jeanne M. Machado. The paper also emphasizes that cross curriculum education, especially in the area of literacy, is extremely important because it allows children to develop their skills through the early application of many mediums.

From the Paper
" Another important resource by Maureen O'Hanagan is called "Care and Education in Early Childhood: A Student's Guide to Theory and Practice". This book presents a summary and criticism of modern educational theories. Key issues in early child development studies such as equal opportunities and children's rights are key issues that are examined. The key contribution of this book is that it explains how children learn and the learning difficulties that they may face. The process of child education is understanding the strengths and weaknesses of individual students and teaching to their strengths. The author contends that best way to help children with problem learning especially in the area of literacy is to entrench personal interest in the child to study and learn himself. This can be done most affectively by combining areas of weakness with areas of strength in order to allow the student to understand the importance of learning both. Thus by using a cross curriculum education, young children will gain a vested interest in learning to their weaknesses because they will want to increase their education in the areas they are strongest in. The implication is that cross curriculum education provides self-motivation and maintains a high level of interest for young children who do not have such interests naturally. This is perhaps the most important affect of using such a combined educational curriculum."

Tags:literacy, youth, curriculum, reading

Abstract
This paper discusses the importance of language education in schools, further examining the national and state standards as these pertain to English education in the United States. First, the paper points out the importance of language and its role it plays in every aspect of life. Next, the paper considers how other countries implement language standards and measures, such as a national test. Various scholars, their research and opinions on this subject are cited. Additionally, the paper notes that standards are considered truly democratic since all must aspire to the same level, despite ethic, racial and economic differences. The paper concludes by stating that English education and standards are intended to promote academic skills such as analysis and critical thinking to all.

From the Paper
"Regardless of the criticism, national standards for the curriculum have been adopted by the United States Government. According to the Education World Web site, the National Standards for Language Arts was created by the National Council of Teachers of English. The Language arts include reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. For the English language, the National Standards include building skills involving communication, critical thinking, and evaluation. The educational system is to provide students with a wider perspective not only of themselves, but also of the world in which they function.
"Philosophically and socially this means an intercultural build-up of an educational basis that will help students not only cope with further educational demands, but also with life in general. Such standards are in keeping with the democratic principles of the country. In pragmatic terms, students are indeed given a much more equal basis of education than the case was in the past. On sociological terms, learning to handle language in both academic and non-academic contexts help learners to identify themselves and their place among others that are both similar and widely different from themselves."

Tags:language arts, academic skills, critical thinking, socio-economic background

Abstract
The paper discusses how the role of art in society is many-faceted and is far-reaching socially, politically and culturally. The paper describes a participation by the writer in the Royal Docks Community School project and includes his/her student journal entries. The writer notes the educational lessons learned from this experience. The writer concludes that the place of the artist in society exists in the most unusual and unexpected places in the rapidly changing face of today's culture.

Outline:
Introduction
Structure of the Royal Docks Community School Project
Exploring the Royal Docks Community Student Journal Entries - Week One Through Week Eleven of the Project
Student Journal Entries Summary
Cultural Diversity - Art Forms, Language, Societal Elements
The Realization of the Teacher's Role - Called 'Miss' by a Student
Pre-conceived Notion about Students
Collaboration with Other Teachers/Mentor
Collaboration with Agencies and Public Entities
Adaptation in Plans & Adherence to Scheduling of Time
Importance of Collaboration with Community
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The aims of the Fine Art Student Programme is one that builds on the three aspects of skills, experience and theory and that extends the comprehension and competence in the practice of art in the public realm and fosters the learning of students who are less experienced. The role of art in society is many-faceted and one that is far-reaching socially, politically, and culturally. Art may persuade, stimulate the mind, or stimulate changes within the fabric of society. Art not only provides a contribution to the development of the human being in understanding the physical, emotional, intellectual, aesthetic, social, moral and spiritual dimensions of the human experience but as well art assist with "the expression and identity of individuals and groups through the recording and sharing of experiences and imagination." (The Arts, 1998)"

Tags:social, political, cultural, Royal, Docks, Community, School

Abstract
This paper looks the similarities of the educational system used by the ancient Romans with the American system today. It examines the education of young Romans and offers insight into why it worked in their culture and time. It describes the development of their educational system over time from home-based schooling and evaluates what society today can learn from it. A good education costs money and the money devoted to worthwhile educational tools, including reduced class size and quality teachers, is crucial to advancing a culture and society and the study of a foreign language (in the case of the Roman culture it was Greek) has been a timeless value and needs to be renewed and strengthened in all parts of the world today.

From the Paper
"In the early days of Roman history there existed no school for children. Children watched their parents and learned from them in the home (Burrell 60). The parents taught what they knew to the children, and if a child had an educated parent they probably learned to read and write as well. This kind of family-led education persisted for about five hundred years from the founding of Rome in 753 BC. What changed? Well, most importantly, the Romans had always had a great respect, almost an envy, for the ancient Greeks and their culture, and about this time they were making large strides in subjugating the Greek homeland and making it a Roman province. "

Tags:ancient, arts, children, education, language, rome, school, speech