This message  was originally  submitted by  Martha Kolln ([log in to unmask] to
the ATEG  list at
MIAMIU.ACS.MUOHIO.EDU. )
 
Dear Ed Vavra and fellow ATEGers:
 
It's certainly true, as I said a few months ago when I reported on the
Language Commission's report, that we have a long way to go.  But don't
give up, Ed.  And don't be discouraged because ATEG membership isn't
growing faster.
 
I have just returned from NCTE in Detroit.  In addition to those Language
Commission-sponsored sessions that described earlier (on various PC
issues), there were at least four sessions dealing directly with grammar
that others had proposed.  One was the very first pre-convention session,
and I was surprised (as were the panelists) to see a filled room of at
least 70 people, all concerned about grammar.
 
At our ATEG meeting on Saturday at 5:30 (not exactly prime time), the room
was packed.  Again, at least 70 people showed up, only one of whom is a
current ATEG member.  (I asked for a show of hands.)  At that meeting I
distributed ATEG brochures and encouraged people to join.  We discussed the
issue of grammar teaching; Eileen Bularzik demonstrated a way of teaching
verbs in the context of writing;  and the audience had a lot of questions.
 
At our full-day workshop on Tuesday (with Marilyn Leahy, Irene Brosnahan,
and Eileen), we had a full house.  NCTE cut off enrollment when we reached
60, although within a half hour we were up to 70.  Several people came
because the workshop they were registered in was actually their second
choice, but ours had been filled!  Again, I distributed ATEG brochures and
encouraged people to enroll.
 
I have written to Sandra Gibbs at NCTE about another workshop for next
year's conference.
 
But here's the best news of all for grammar.  The Language Commission is
back in the hands of the linguists.  The group that issued the report I
quoted earlier (and that Ed quoted in his memo dated yesterday) is no
longer in charge, so I think we can look for a return to grammar (or
language structure) as the issue of the day.   Peter Fries and his wife,
now part of the Commission, invited me to join them for dinner.  There will
be three sessions sponsored by the Commission at next year's NCTE (to be
held in Nashville--put that on your calendar, all you Grand Ol' Opry
lovers!), and I got the clear impression that grammar would be the
topic--at least one topic.
 
I also believe that if others among you would propose sessions for next
year's Convention the grammar comeback would proceed even faster.  The
deadline is January 16.  Please get together with your like-minded
colleagues and come up with programs that will help answer all those
grammar questions that middle- and high-school teachers have.  Write to
NCTE for proposal guidelines (I suspect you'll be getting the form in the
mail).  The more proposals that they get on the topic of grammar, the more
likely we are to be included.
 
So, yes--we have a long way to go.  The problem I mentioned in that last
memo remains:  The word "grammar" still conjures up kill-and-drill
exercises.  We have to change that image.  I want NCTE and language arts
teachers at all levels to see grammar knowledge as a tool for writers.
Please help to spread the good word.
 
Let's go TEAM!
 
Martha Kolln, ATEG President