This article discusses recent thoughts and findings concerning the value of creative writing for gifted students and best practices for its instruction. Discussed are a five-step plan for curriculum development, the use of literary models as keys for discussion and emulation, and the complexities of evaluating student work in such a subjective…

A detailed account of how a high school playwriting course was developed, with a list of 20 exercises. (RL)

Mexico has a rich and profound history that encompasses its pre-Hispanic indigenous roots through the period of Spanish colonialism, the struggle for independence, and the revolution. The intent of this curriculum project is to introduce secondary students, through the appeal of story, to the significant historical components/aspects that have…

This document is the report of a task force established to survey all arts education programs in New Jersey, develop a model curriculum with sequential instruction for grades kindergarten through grade 12, evaluate the effects of the arts experience on students, review and make recommendations to improve certification requirements for arts…

Aimed at teachers interested in implementing student journals in their classrooms, this guide offers subjects students can write about and ideas for how to use journal writing as a classroom activity, and justifies writing across curriculum lines. The first section of the guide, entitled Mirrors, suggests that students can benefit from writing in…

In a sixth grade science classroom for able students, major grades are broken down into four categories: lab reports, projects, creative writing, and written tests. These four components of assessment structure how the curriculum content is presented. (JDD)

English courses should help students recognize the interrelationships among creative and expository writing, literature, and language. By helping students understand literary elements such as point of view, for example, creative writing courses can produce better student narratives. Required composition courses should replace sterile exercises in…

The articles in this journal issue present four methods for developing units in expository and creative writing instruction. The titles of the articles and their authors are as follows: (1) "A Writing Unit: Ten or Twenty Kids on Their 10-Speeds" (Joyce S. Steward); (2) "Great Painting, Great Writing" (Keith F. Voos); (3) "Building a Character:…

An integrated topic approach (on Theseus and the Minotaur) was used to develop creative writing skills of children (ages 12 and 13) with health- and stress-related disorders at a special school in England. Three elements of the topic (presentation, action, and interaction) were developed through which individual assessment, collaboration, and…

This document presents the results of a survey of New Jersey schools districts examining the state of arts education in New Jersey schools. Data from the department of education's annual series of fall reports of vital educational statistics also was reviewed. The information from the survey was combined with the data in the fall report to provide…

Discusses objects, methods of instruction, content, and accomplishments of the undergraduate major in economics. Recommends a strong introductory sequence stressing application of economic tools, rigorous intermediate theory courses, background courses in quantitative methods, and a minimum of five economics electives. Suggests synthesis through a…

Reports a survey of British middle-school teachers that supports recent British studies on teacher attitudes acknowledging the importance of poetry instruction and attributing reluctance to teach poetry to teacher lack of confidence and knowledge. Recommends promoting middle-school students' untapped interest in poetry through changes in the…

This document reports how a writing/communication curriculum for incarcerated adults was developed in response to an informal survey taken at the Schuylkill County (Pennsylvania) Prison. Findings from students in the 1990-91 adult basic education course indicated that prisoners evidenced low-level writing skills, an apathetic attitude toward the…

This guide offers information and supporting materials to educators wishing to establish a high school equivalency program, drawn from experience with the External Diploma Program of Boston's (Massachusetts) Chinese American Civic Association. The program focuses on developing the reading and writing skills of non-English-speaking immigrants. An…

Ranging across the language arts spectrum in the elementary school curriculum, this compilation of 36 essays is divided into eight main sections: (1) issues, theory, and philosophy of a language arts curriculum; (2) reading (includes "Developing the Reading Curriculum,""Determining Reading Levels," and "Reading: Basics versus Problem Solving)";…