Editor's Note, June 2003

Karen Heise
M.A. Student, University of Northern Colorado
E-mail: Kheise2000@Yahoo.com

This issue, speaking of goals, Trista Harguth asserts that it's time for Colorado to evaluate its goals with a penetrating look into bilingual education. Colorado has one of the largest concentrations of Hispanic students, and in response to this growing segment of English-learners, Harguth points out several other alternatives (such as structured English Immersion and ESL programs) that could--and should--supplant the outdated and poorly executed bilingual education system.

On the matter of teaching and writing, we have two offerings: Elizabeth Haller's "Process, Post-Process, and Tradition" and Chris Shippey's "Burned Notebooks: A New Kind of Therapy." Haller explores her own journey into the 'traditional' versus the 'non-traditional" teaching approach and philosophy, especially as it intersects with the writing and revision processes in her early classroom experiences. If you're a new TA, you may find yourself sighing with relief as you read her efforts to answer what to some is a fundamental question: What is your teaching style? Shippey lets us in on his "solitary therapy sessions" conducted with a Mead composition notebook full of cathartic writings and a book of matches. I think you'll find his approach to writing thought provoking.

We have three poems this month from K. L. Haley. Spring and the spiritual intermingle seamlessly in these short pieces. He describes poetry as his "passion." (Haley also authored a 3-part series on online education in the December 2002, January-February and March 2003 issues of this journal.)

Don't forget to check out Lynne Fukuda's monthly column, "The View from Here." This month, she chronicles her experiences working with Hawaii's Upward Bound program. We also hope to stimulate your thinking regarding this issue's offerings with our regular "Grist for the Mill" column, where you'll find questions on the English language and education as well as writing's changing role for students and within academia.

COMING SOON: We'll have an interview with Dr. David Mulroy, whose upcoming book, The War on Grammar, will be published in November by Heinemann-Boynton/Cook. Mulroy's enthusiasm for teaching classical literature and excellence in writing is infectious. I hope you'll join us next month for this intriguing duo of subjects.

Finally, it is with sadness that we note the death of Phil Brocato, who previously edited this journal. He passed away last month at his home in Los Angeles after being in a coma for seven months due to a near-fatal car accident. Lynne Fukuda had this to say about Mr. Brocato: "He was my mentor ... He enjoyed life to the fullest, traveled, did all sorts of jobs, and finally found his love--teaching--at USC." We send our condolences to Phil's family, friends, and co-workers. Phil, you will be missed.

Have a great summer,

Karen Heise,
Editor-in-Chief - Academic Exchange Extra

Academic Exchange Extra invites reader responses to any writings in this issue--especially articles advancing the scholarly debate of issues raised.

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