The author presents a rationale and specific techniques for teaching grammar in the high school. (SJL)

Uses the example of New York State to illustrate how the rancorous political debate over education can render national standards irrelevant and contradictory. In appeasing so many factions the standards become inclusive to the point of obfuscation. Provides a brief overview of the controversy concerning national standards. (MJP)

The paper argues that the strategies instructional approach should be infused into preservice teacher training programs. Reconfiguration of course structures and preparation experiences should include not only "what" is taught about learning and teaching, but also "how" teacher trainers incorporate the principles of strategies…

A framework for curriculum design and a set of guidelines for curriculum development in gifted education are presented. The major dimensions guiding curriculum development for gifted students are: content, process, product, and learning environment. Curriculum content should be developed in such a way that it becomes more abstract, complex,…

This document offers a detailed description of the Oak Park, Michigan social studies program. The program is built around four goals: knowledge, skill, value, and participation. Knowledge goals pertain to acquiring facts, concepts, or generalizations from history and the social sciences. Skill goals pertain to the ability to collect, organize,…

This report provides documents, categorized under five different sections, to be used as guidelines for curriculum development. The first section, "Model Board Policy for Comprehensive Planning," outlines responsibilities of local education boards in curriculum development and provides examples to consider for policy development. The second…

Demonstrates the similarities between the social studies curricula of Quebec and other Canadian provinces. Examines these in the context of criticisms that Quebec's curricula is divisive and chauvinistic. Refutes these charges and maintains that Quebec's emphasis on local history is no greater than that of other districts. (MJP)

Compares and contrasts the social studies curricula in two Canadian provinces. Saskatchewan has adopted a student-centered approach emphasizing transformative knowledge and transactional strategies. Alberta is focusing more on knowledge acquisition and traditional assessment. Considers the reasons for these differences and proposes some directions…

Attempts to sort out and address many of the issues, controversies, and concerns surrounding Ontario's adoption of a common curriculum. Finds confusion and factionalism on both sides exacerbated by a preponderance of jargon. Identifies and defines key features of the common curriculum. (MJP)

Reports on a three-year ethnographic study of the visual arts curriculum in three elementary schools. Finds three distinct orientations: (1) the rote, teacher-centered orientation; (2) the open-ended, student-centered orientation; and (3) the higher order, cognitive orientation. (CFR)

Describes the political machinations resulting in Manitoba's downgrading of Canadian history from a compulsory to an elective subject. Argues that this reflects a broader nationwide educational trend rejecting the humanities in favor of science and technology. Criticizes a view of society dominated by market forces and self-interest. (MJP)

This statewide revised Standard Course of Study, mandated by North Carolina's Elementary and Secondary School Reform Act of 1984, provides a detailed, integrated curriculum plan for all subjects at all grade levels. An initial section provides an introduction ("Notes") to the users of the "North Carolina Competency-Based…

Two secondary out-of-school activities were evaluated to determine how well each met rigorous definitions of curriculum. It was found that the activities--a whitewater canoe trip and a series of 3 10-day expeditions to a boreal forest, a subarctic area, and a mountain setting--both met the criteria for curriculum including intent of the teacher to…

Explores the strengths and weaknesses of the five main philosophical positions currently found in school sex education. Argues that valid sex education promotes rational sexual autonomy, requires pupils to consider the needs and wishes of others, and occurs within a moral framework. Suggests teachers adopt a supportive but neutral position. (MJP)

Examines the inherent dichotomy between the competing needs of maintaining emotional safety and exploring sensitive issues in social studies classrooms. Argues that an effectively safe classroom can serve as a necessary backdrop for addressing controversial issues even in the earliest of grades. Maintains that most teachers simply ignore these…