In this article, we demonstrate how playful learning serves to provide optimal learning opportunities through teacher-guided play. First, we describe the theoretical design principles that can be leveraged to support mathematical learning for students that have been underserved. Then, we provide concrete examples of evidence-based games that can…

"Teaching Visual Culture" provides the theoretical and practical basis for developing a curriculum that lays the groundwork for art education at all levels (K-12 and higher education) and across school subjects. Drawing on material, social, cognitive, aesthetic, and curricular theories, Freedman offers a framework for teaching the visual…

The Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (PECAT) is designed to help school districts and schools conduct a clear, complete, and consistent analysis of physical education curricula for K-12 students. This analysis focuses on how well a curriculum aligns with national standards for physical education. PECAT results can help school districts…

As schools work to implement the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), a team at Stanford University found that project-based learning is an effective framework for engaging students. The team used project-based learning, group activities, and performance-based assessments to design an effective, engaging curriculum. Over a three-year period,…

The Massachusetts Expanded Learning Time (ELT) initiative is designed to improve academic outcomes by increasing the amount of learning time for students. Schools are expected to provide opportunities to teachers for collaborative planning and professional development as well as add time to the school day or year for instructional and enrichment…

The Wallace Foundation is funding a multiyear demonstration project to determine whether voluntary, district summer learning programs can stem summer learning loss for low-income students. Six districts--Boston, Cincinnati, Dallas, Duval County (Florida), Pittsburgh, and Rochester, New York--were selected for the demonstration project and…

It is a challenge for schools with large populations of students from low-income, migrant, and international families to ensure that every student reaches proficiency on challenging state academic achievement standards and state academic assessments. Traditionally, schools across the country have tended to cope with this challenge by offering a…

This book will help create a culture of literacy at schools, from the classroom, to the lunchroom, to the hallways-a culture that encompasses students, teachers, administrators, families, and communities. This comprehensive and practical book includes: (1) Month-by-month plans for the entire school year; (2) How to build a faculty vision of…

This Pennsylvania state curriculum guide provides a rationale and plan for the inclusion and role of arts education in a K-12 curriculum. Part 1, "Actions of the Arts Process," describes concepts related to the terms art, artists, and the arts process and suggests that students need to experience perceiving, responding, understanding, creating,…

Examines the need for the study of architecture and product design in the K-12 curriculum. Describes a model for an integrated design studio that promotes creativity. Recommends ways that people from the community can help in the classroom and suggests ways that art teachers can be trained. (KM)

This book embraces the idea of listening to and learning from students. Although many educational theorists have long argued that incorporating children's perspectives about teaching and curriculum has the potential for increasing students' interest and participation in learning, their radical perspectives are still ignored or dismissed in theory…

Cited as a model project for the state of Vermont, this process model helps administrators, teachers, and community members integrate the arts into the elementary school curriculum. Arranged into 10 sections, the introduction in part 1 outlines the development of the program. Three major project goals are stated in section 2 and section 3 is an…

Asserts that music educators have special challenges and opportunities when considering an integrated or interdisciplinary curriculum. Discusses examples of interdisciplinary teams comprised of fine arts teachers working with teachers of social studies, literature, and other subjects. Includes illustrations of a thematic curriculum web and…

An overview is presented of a 1982-83 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), Title IV-C project, designed for 50 talented high school art students, to preserve the arts and crafts in the Mississippi hills area and to enrich existing arts and crafts curriculum. Steps are listed for implementing such a program, a simple program budget is…

Offers ideas on how to develop a course on popular music. Notes the importance of obtaining prior administrative support. Identifies materials, techniques, books, films, and community resources. Suggests several classroom projects, incorporating popular music history and music activities. Lists books, periodicals, and videotaped materials for…