ABSTRACT
Before examining the issues associated with teaching writing, let’s consider some basic principles of classroom management that characterize effective teachers regardless of subject.
Successful teachers are organized and have planned their classes well ahead of the fi rst day of school. The process begins with reviewing and understanding the assigned textbooks. Many texts are written so as to conform to curriculum guidelines of the more populous states, such as New York, Texas, and California, and they often target low ability levels. Teachers in our public schools commonly have no voice in the selection of textbooks, which are adopted either by the district or the state.
