Letters.

YOUR COMMENTS, IDEAS, AND THOUGHTS.

Plagiarism 

I would like to draw your attention to a copyright violation in the April 2001 issue. The poem "Crayons," which is on the Poetry Contest Poster, is very similar to a poem by Helen Moore. As a teacher, I believe it is essential that we encourage original work. I am disappointed that this display of plagiarism was published as a Poetry Contest Winner and other original entries weren't considered.

Alicia Ries, Spokane, WA

Editor's Reply:

Unfortunately, we discovered this and another case of plagiarism (the poem "Science") after the issue went to press. The instructor staff, along with our poetry experts Bee Cullinan and Paul Janeczko, reviewed every one of the 6,000 entries we received. In doing this, we believed that the originality of the poems would be ensured. However, it is nearly impossible to compare so many submissions to the thousands of published poems that exist. It is difficult for children to understand the concept of ownership of words, but it is important that it be addressed in the classroom along with the usual writing curriculum.

Standards in the Arts

In the present educational climate, when political leaders are calling on improved accountability in our schools, Lynn Clark's article, "The Standards: Just a Click Away" (August 2001), was timely. Knowing what standards are and where to find them is important for teachers. In addition to the disciplines mentioned in Clark's article, Goals 2000, the original document detailing national standards, calls for comprehensive instruction in the arts. Two sources to help teachers in planning arts instruction are: National Standards for Arts Education (www.ed.gov/pubs/ArtsStandars.html) and National Association for Music Education (www.menc.org). Click on Teachers, then S for Standards.

Kenneth M. McGuire, Ph.D.

August Cover

I received the August issue'and sought out the 88 activities mentioned on the cover. I was thrilled because school opens extra early this year. As a Team Leader, I eyed your cover with the anticipation that I might share these 88 ideas with my team! However, although I could be suffering from an acute case of mid-summer forgetfulness, I can't find the info!

Bobbie Harrison (via e-mail)

Editor's Reply:

The activities mentioned were spread throughout the issue and we apologize for the confusion. We were so excited about the many great ideas that we'd packed into the issue that we wanted to make all our readers aware of them. Next year, we will work to bring you 88 (or more!) activities for the Back to School issue, all in one section. It was not our intention to mislead anyone with the cover line.