What is English? Who decides? An interview with Lisa Scherff

In this month’s interview, Kappan’s editor talks with high school English teacher and researcher Lisa Scherff about the ongoing struggle over who gets to define the English language arts curriculum. Dating back to the creation of the subject area, more than a century ago, classroom teachers have advocated for a varied course of study that helps students use language more effectively across a range of contexts. However, explains Scherff, they have always had to contend with college professors, textbook publishers, school boards, and others who’ve sought to constrain the curriculum