California has embarked on a major new wave of curriculum reform with the adoption of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), the new English Language Development (ELD) standards, and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The adoption of the CCSS builds a legacy of standards-based education reform in California that began with the…

The math problem is common to most U.S. school districts, and education leaders are well aware that U.S. math achievement lags far behind many other countries in the world. University Place (Washington) School District Superintendent Patti Banks found the conspicuous income gap for math scores even more disturbing. In her school district, only 23%…

This document is one of eight reports prepared to support the development of a new learning system, a development effort that is the first step in a major initiative undertaken by the Stupski Foundation. The Foundation endeavors to improve the life options of all students, especially underserved urban youth of color by fundamentally redesigning…

This proficiency guide was designed to serve as a resource for local school corporations in developing, reviewing, and revising curriculum documents. It was assembled in response to an Indiana State Board of Education directive to produce a guide to aid school systems in establishing proficiencies in English language arts, mathematics, social…

This document features a checklist designed to help teachers keep track of student progress on the Math Standards that are tested by the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). A chart of benchmarks assessed in grades 3-5, test items based on the benchmarks, and an answer key and actual checklists are included. (KHR)

This handbook, which suggests resources for curriculum development, is designed to assist schools in meeting the curriculum requirements of Vermont's Public School Approval and to be a resource for local districts developing curriculum. Sections are represented on: (1) establishing the necessity for curriculum revision and/or development; (2)…

The reason for creating this resource was to produce a booklet that was concise and reflected the character and uniqueness of Vermont schools and, at the same time, reflect the ongoing nature of the curriculum improvement process. This document was intended for schools and districts in all phases of curriculum improvement, from creation through…

This syllabus, designed for use by administrators, program developers, and teachers, provides local education agencies with a framework for establishing a required physical education instructional program in New York's public schools. Information is presented on education laws and commissioner's regulations regarding physical education, as well as…

Health education curriculum guides from 48 states and the District of Columbia are examined to compare differences in format, content, objectives, learning activities, evaluation, resources, and other features. (CMJ)

This framework has been designed to help Idaho elementary and secondary public schools develop their physical education curricula and programs and formulate realistic goals. The document represents a change from past approaches and one early section details some examples of how this guide is different from previous guides. Among these differences…

The Standards of Learning Objectives for Virginia Public Schools in the areas of theatre arts, oral communication, and journalism explicitly stated in this guide reflect the scope and depth of these elective subjects and identify some appropriate ends for instruction. The guide outlines the program goals, objectives, guidelines, and SOL objectives…

Designed for elementary school teachers and administrators, this guide describes instructional activities for teaching students basic water safety and swimming skills. Objectives are outlined and lesson plans for beginners and more advanced learners are offered. Appendices include an activity chart, instructor evaluation form, time sheet, student…

This guide is to be used by Wisconsin physical education curriculum planners as a model for curriculum building, an instrument for evaluating existing curricula, and as an example of what is current and defensible in the physical education field. The content of the guide deals specifically with a philosophy of physical education which is…

This issue of Changing Schools explores what algebraic thinking is and why students need algebraic thinking. The efforts of Kansas and North Dakota to incorporate algebraic thinking into their state mathematics standards are described. Contents include: (1) "Algebraic Thinking: Preparing Students for Mastering Algebraic Concepts" (Vicki…

The article describes the Texas "Supplement to the Essential Elements for the Hearing Impaired," an in-depth expansion of the state-mandated essential elements in English Language Arts to include supplemental goals and subgoals for students with language deficiencies caused by hearing loss. Guidelines for assessment and goal selection…