Presents results of a national survey collecting data about the current status of and trends in elective social studies programs in secondary schools. Reports that most schools offer elective programs, usually optional rather than required electives. Concludes that psychology and sociology were the most common electives. Includes tables showing…

Explores curriculum developers' differing opinions before they design a specific curriculum; the amount of convergence of opinion caused by curriculum deliberations; and the retention of that convergence. Finds that, despite frequent discrepancies of opinion before curriculum conferences on design issues, subsequent deliberations produced a high…

This is the first part of a two-part position paper, updating an 1986 position statement, developed by the Illinois Art Education Association for the elementary, middle-level, and secondary schools in the state of Illinois. Part 1, the "Introductory Statement," highlights the contemporary context of educational reform as an opportunity…

Techniques from required measurement and evaluation courses are rarely applied in teaching. A field experience which allowed physical education majors to assist in evaluating the fitness of elementary school students was used to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Pros and cons of the program are discussed. (JL)

Discusses a study of global education in 16 Delaware County, Pennsylvania, public high schools. Reports that global education was more widely taught than the written curriculum indicated. Describes factors that promote global education. Offers recommendations for increasing the impact of global education on the curriculum and in the classroom. (SG)

Explores the concept of "null curriculum"--what schools do not teach. Attempts to define the term, focusing on possible uses in theory, research, and practice. While hard to define and limited as a research concept, "null curriculum" can inform cosiderations of curriculum goals, content, and selection criteria. Lists eight…

Presents a case study exploring how major curriculum change has affected the students in an English secondary school. Focuses on how government policy and internal curriculum restructuring have disrupted learning conditions. Suggests that quantitative-based curriculum innovation does not take into accout the cultural specificity of the school…

Examines the impact at the primary level of efforts to introduce a national curriculum in Great Britain. Contends that the biggest obstacle is confusion about the definition and implementation of an integrated curriculum approach. Warns that effective cross-curricular programs already in operation may be replaced with highly differentiated and…

Reviews the development of new Ontario History and Contemporary Studies Guidelines directed by Ontario Ministry of Education. Explains changes that occurred in curriculum such as Canadian and U.S. history courses being dropped in favor of a new course entitled "Canada in North American Perspective." Concludes that the new curriculum has…

Discussion of the teaching of management in library education, focuses on curriculum aimed at raising awareness and developing positive attitudes, management as a permeating principle rather than a discrete subject, and the involvement of practitioners in curriculum design. A number of specific strategies for achieving these goals are proposed.…

In designing a course for teaching English as a second language, it is imperative for a curriculum planner to know the present academic attainment and the desired level of performance of the students at the end of the course. The curriculum planner must take sociological, linguistic, psychological and pedagogical factors into consideration. The…

Interviewed 45 students, grades 9-12, to which what social studies classes or activities engage secondary school students. Summarizes student reactions to a social studies class emphasizing higher-order thinking (HOT). Reports that a subject's intrinsic interest and relevance, student active participation, and cognitively challenging tasks most…

This report of the Florida Commission on Social Studies Education reviews the status of social studies education in Florida public schools and makes recommendations for improving instruction to meet the needs of Florida students in grades K-12. In reviewing the status of social studies in Florida, the Commission concluded that there was no single,…

Intended for use by beginning teachers of English, this booklet illustrates English curriculum planning and teaching practices and principles set forth in an earlier work. The first chapter of the booklet discusses the importance of careful instructional planning and explains three principles essential to effective English teaching: (1) focus on…

The products of research and the successes of curriculum reforms are often inaccessible to teachers, administrators, and policymakers. This paper was designed to help researchers communicate their knowledge of successful curriculum reform to policymakers and practitioners, in order to influence practice. It focuses on making more effective use of…