The development of literacy: practice and intent

Abstract

This thesis is a response to what has been popularly termed the literacy crisis. The concept of literacy is examined in historical perspective. Subsequently, a humanistic conception of literacy is presented. -- A practical application of literacy instruction theory is provided through the description of an innovative curriculum project carried out in 1979-1980. While this project addressed the needs apparent in a specific school context, implications for any secondary school curriculum were made evident.