As Brian Huot and Ellen E. Schendel assert, when assessment has more than validation in mind, it "can become a means for proactive change" (208). In response to this idea of assessment as an optimistic and opportunistic enterprise, this article describes how the structural design of our "equal opportunity" writing program and…

Promoting learner autonomy is relevant in the field of applied linguistics due to the multiple benefits it brings to the process of learning a new language. However, despite the vast array of research on how to foster autonomy in the language classroom, it is difficult to find step-by-step processes to design syllabi and curricula focused on the…

This article picks up the debate on the requirements of materials criticism and provides an extensive critique of the Philosophy for Children program, contributing both a description of the program material and a basis for further discussion and exchange on the issue of materials criticism. (Author/MLF)

The three-year Spanish program curriculum guide for Alberta public high schools outlines: (1) program objectives reflecting the basic education goals as well as a rationale for including Spanish in a school program; (2) specific minumum expectations for each language skill (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and for cultural understanding…

This guide is designed to aid the development of vocational education programs in agriculture in local school districts. Major program objectives, conditions conducive to learning, program evaluation, suggestions for using the guide, curriculum models, and Wisconsin's philosophy and procedures in developing occupational experience programs in…

An outcome-based model for evaluating undergraduate international business programs presents a pedagogical perspective on key program components and suggests specific and measurable criteria for assessing the extent to which the program develops students' competencies and knowledge. An existing program at a small college is used as an example.…

An instructional program to improve adolescent student mastery of real-life decision-making skills produced very positive results in terms of teacher comfort with the program and increased student performance. Five core skills for decision-making were the basis of the program: identification, selection and assessment of decision criteria,…

This guide is designed to aid the development of vocational education programs in agriculture in local school districts. Major program objectives, good learning conditions, program evaluation, suggested teaching methods, and Wisconsin's philosophy and procedures in developing occupational experience programs in vocational agriculture/agribusiness…

Takes a systems approach to designing classroom instruction, providing models for program and course syllabuses, as well as for instructional units. Included are checklists for designing the three levels of instruction: the program, the course, and the instructional unit. (JW)

A discussion of language proficiency in college-level African language programs begins with a review of the literature in the broader field of foreign language learning concerning notions of language competence, proficiency, and proficiency goals. This section examines linguistic competence, communicative competence, communicative syllabus design,…

The Australian Language Levels (ALL) Project offers a coherent model for elementary and secondary language curriculum design. Book 4 of the four-volume series discusses aspects of curriculum change and inservice teacher education, emphasizing the fact that curriculum and staff development are ongoing processes. A section on implementing curriculum…

This publication provides program standards for diploma and degree instrumentation technology programs. Fifteen categories of standards are presented. Each category is divided into one or more subcategories, and each subcategory has the following components: standard statement, explanatory comment, evaluative criteria, exhibits. Standards in the…

This publication provides program standards for commercial sheet metal programs. Twelve categories of standards are presented. Each category is divided into one or more subcategories, and each subcategory contains three components: standard statement, explanatory comment, and evaluative criteria. Subcategories for foundations standards are as…

This handbook is intended as a guide to caregivers in programs serving children under the age of three, and as a text for students training to work with infants and toddlers. The book includes material to help program developers and directors set up and manage a child care program. The text stresses the importance of good organization, one-to-one…

A guide for Kansas foreign language teachers contains general information about language teaching techniques, materials, and needs, and specific proficiency-based objectives for three instructional levels (novice, intermediate, and advanced). It is not language-specific and does not advocate a particular methodology, but is designed to answer…