State policies to encourage elementary teachers to teach for understanding and thinking are more comprehensive in California than in any other state. Based on in-depth interviews with eight curriculum and policy experts and an analysis of over 100 documents, this report describes efforts being advanced across six policy fronts: (1) curriculum…

This abstract provides a succinct and highly useful overview of the complete State curriculum guide for K-12 fully described in SO 000 539. It stands on its own as a summary of program rationale, design, content, and methods. (JLB)

Discusses the complaint that led to the case of Seagraves et al. versus State of California et al., the "anti-dogmatism" policy adopted by the California state board of education in 1972, and the outcome of the trial. (WD)

The guide proposes an elementary through high school program encompassing many aspects of traffic safety. Chapter 1 presents definitions, instructional goals, behavioral objectives, and K-6 traffic safety concepts coupled with student performance indicators. Various elements of program administration are covered in Chapter 2. Chapter 3 includes…

This reports presents a detailed description of curriculum reform efforts in four states that exemplify particular approaches to developing curriculum. In California and South Carolina, curriculum standards are influenced most heavily by subject-matter professionals through a top-down process; the lay public is asked to review and make recommended…

Addresses both the issues raised by the recent trial in Sacramento (California), "Scopes II," which pitted evolution against scientific creationism, and the questions that stem from the trial's failure to address those issues. (Author/WD)

This particular issue of the "California Curriculum Newsletter" focuses on the proposed Social Sciences Framework--its status, an evaluation, aids to interpretation, and its availability. Trends in California social sciences textbooks are briefly discussed, and highlights are offered of five programs related to the social sciences which…

Discusses reforms of the traditional elementary school curriculum in the "History-Social Science Framework for California Public Schools, Kindergarten through Grade Twelve" (1987). Emphasizes a history-centered curriculum drawing widely on the social sciences and humanities and involving students in developmentally appropriate…

The use of literature in the history-social science curriculum has been found to be an effective means of generating students' interest, enhancing their understanding, and enriching the curriculum. This annotated guide contains listings of books to be used in teaching students in grades K-8 that have been selected as particularly helpful in the…

This report of a statewide Mathematics Advisory Committee outlines the kindergarten through grade eight mathematics curriculum in terms of nine "strands": Numbers and Operations, Geometry, Measurement, Applications of Mathematics, Statistics and Probability, Sets, Functions and Graphs, Logical Thinking, and Problem Solving. Broad goals…

A vision of the new California high school is presented in this document, which outlines the principles of school reform. The key to successful restructuring lies in developing a comprehensive reform statement based on the following components: creating curricular paths to success; developing powerful teaching and learning; establishing a…

This updated framework for the state of California represents an effort to strengthen education in the history-social science curriculum while building on the best practices contained in previous frameworks. The framework outlines 17 distinguishing characteristics, and its goals fall into three broad categories: knowledge and cultural…

This document outlines ancient civilization teaching models for California sixth graders. It is another response to teachers' requests for practical assistance in implementing the "History-Social Science Framework." Units include: (1) Early Humankind and the Development of Human Societies; (2) The Beginnings of Civilization in the Near…

In this framework, emphasis is placed on ways school personnel can change science instruction and motivate student interest more effectively. The document is organized into four chapters and six appendices. Chapter one discusses the acquisition and organization of knowledge in respect to developing broad generalizations and concepts. It defines…

Changes in textbook adoption policies in three states--North Carolina, Texas, and California--are examined in this paper, which analyzes major legislative or regulatory changes in the context of each state's educational improvement efforts. Findings indicate a growing conflict between advocates for statewide versus local responsibility for…