The "Mainstreaming+" Approach

Currently the overall philosophy of many basic writing programs is one of inclusion rather than exclusion. First-year students are seen as part of the writing community, instead of continuing the mindset where students were sent off to "take this remedial class and then you'll be ready for English 101." At Arizona State University (ASU) a "Stretch Program" (English 101 is "stretched over two semesters) is designed specifically for those students who lack experience with the kinds of writing they will be asked to do at ASU. The program gives them more time to develop effective writing strategies and experience that will help them in all of their university classes. More universities are moving into a focus on computer-mediated instruction, helping students become accustomed to the technological culture on the university campus. Many instructors focus on reading as well as writing in the basic writing classroom and directly incorporate writing centers into their curriculum and pedagogy. At ASU, about 90% of students who complete the "Stretch" sequence believe their writing has improved. Similar basic writing programs are in place at San Francisco State University, the University of Minnesota's General College, Indiana University Southeast, and CUNY's John Jay College of Criminal Justice. (CR)