Describes the University of Arkansas at Monticello's development and implementation of a new general education curriculum. Explains the rationale for change, process of moving the faculty toward reform, and future directions of the curriculum. (DMM)

The paper describes the role of teachers as mediators of the social studies curriculum. The first section summarizes the literature on teacher cognition and describes the hermeneutic, or methodological, turn in that literature. The second section describes teachers as curriculum agents--that is, as professionals who bring intellectual and moral…

Discusses a study tour sponsored by Stanford University (California) for which teachers were trained in curriculum development. Questions whether encouraging teachers to become curriculum developers represents empowerment or a distraction from teaching. Argues that teaching is unlike curriculum development. Presents challenges that teachers…

The evidence from research using expectancy theory is synthesized to develop a contingency model of incentives for involving teachers in professional development. Research findings that focused on the administrative challenge of motivating teachers to engage in curriculum development tasks are used to test the model. (MLF)

Several factors have been identified that influence a teachers' use of curriculum materials. This paper focuses on the development of materials as a key factor in this process. Clarification is given on how a sophisticated design of curriculum materials can improve curricular implementation processes and outcomes. An overview of the implementation…

This book describes secondary school teachers' achievements and innovations, examining the historical and political contexts of curriculum development and control in the United Kingdom and analyzing the values and beliefs that have shaped the reforms in schools and colleges over the last 2 decades. It considers the extent to which these changes…

Instructors from 14 South Carolina two-year institutions participated in a pilot project to restructure and standardize a course in Human Relations offered at each college. The current status and objectives of the course were analyzed, modules were developed, and a model of participation was recommended to facilitate continual statewide course…

The key to successful curriculum reform is a broad-based, systematic decision-making process directed by teachers. Common approaches to curriculum development are haphazard and tend to produce superficial change. An approach that gives teachers a personal and professional stake in its results, however, can generate fundamental and lasting reforms.…

The authors describe the process by which curriculum guidelines were developed in a Federally funded State project; the guidelines set career education objectives appropriate for industrial arts courses, suggest learning activities, and identify resource materials. There are three sets--for elementary, junior high school, and secondary levels. (AJ)

Klein's conceptual framework of curriculum decision making is applied to the site-based decision making process in a suburban California school district. The model is composed of two interacting dimensions: participants at different levels and curriculum elements. Three levels of decision making--formal, institutional, and instructional--are…

Basic characteristics of the more influential curriculum development models in social studies are discussed. For a curriculum development model to be effective, it must provide for extensive teacher involvement. The most successful school practices are those that are school-based and collaborative. (RM)

A transactive curriculum development system is described which comprehensively identifies characteristics of a learning environment and suggests curriculum content that takes into account both external demands and students' interests. The curriculum encourages students to be independent learners without sacrificing basic skills or alienating…

Discusses the development of a world history curriculum for the Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) School District. Describes a program rooted in chronology and geography with interpretive frameworks for comparative study of change in diverse civilizations. Lists reawakening teachers' interest, updating training, and extending resource availability as…

Addressed to teachers, administrators, and researchers, this study discusses the philosophy behind collaborative school-based curriculum development and the results of an attempt to implement this type of curriculum development. This multi-disciplinary approach offers a way to combine the advantages of both centralized and localized decision…

Describes curriculum planning processes for environmental education programs employed by secondary school teachers in Australia. Explains the phases involved with a school based curriculum project and provides a case study report to illustrate the approach. Offers suggestions for initiating and sustaining curriculum planning in environmental…