Consensus is growing that high-quality early education is a critical support to all subsequent learning. In early childhood education quality is generally considered holistically in terms of the physical environment, programmatic structure (e.g., length of the school day), curriculum and instruction, and the nature of interactions between teachers…

This booklet focuses on needs assessment, a process for identifying and defining valid curriculum, instructional, and management objectives. It also presents a means for establishing controls over curriculum development at the local level, whether it be a school district or an individual school. Part 1 explains the (a) fundamentals, (b) rationale,…

In the midst of national education reform and in line with efforts to describe national standards for school mathematics, Texas is taking an aggressive role in reforming mathematics in the public schools. Ways that Texas schools, the Texas Education Agency, and the State Board of Education are addressing the dramatically changing needs of…

Intended as an aid to language arts curriculum development, the four sections of this guide present, in chart form, a sequential set of learning outcomes and assessment levels for the skills of writing, speaking/listening, critical thinking, and reading. (FL)

The purpose of this manual is to provide guidelines and assistance to local education agency planners in the needs-assessment process. In the first section, the needs-assessment process is discussed within the overall framework of the program development cycle. Subsequent sections treat each step in the process, providing a model. Issues are…

The purpose of the project was to establish comprehensive and continuous emphasis on career exploration for all students, beginning with grade 6 and continuing through grade 10. The Rivergate Project contained three major components: (1) the infusion of career concepts and skills into the instructional program, (2) the use of community resources,…

This document provides a model for assessing a school's mathematics program and planning for program improvement. A systematic process for instructional improvement focuses upon students' needs and the identification of successful instructional strategies to meet these needs. The improvement plan and the implementation of intervention strategies…

Methods are presented for organizing and implementing consumer education for grades K-12. The handbook is based on the premise that consumer education should be integrated in the total curriculum. Consumer education is defined as the preparation of individuals in the skills, concepts, and understandings required for maximum use of and satisfaction…

This self-evaluation manual assists local school systems in undertaking a comprehensive examination of their curriculum, facilities, and supporting services. The primary thrust of the Maine program, however, is to promote long-range planning for improved educational opportunities based upon reliable data and a careful assessment of available…

This document was developed to encourage and aid local schools in the assessment of their science curricula on a continuous basis. It provides: (1) a 21-step implementation schedule for conducting a science curriculum assessment and/or revision; (2) a model for assisting schools in developing their science philosophy, goals, and topics; (3)…

This document is designed to assist school district personnel in the identification of intervention strategies that have a good probability of increasing the district's mean score on the Goal IV Educational Quality Assessment (EQA) instrument. Appropriate educational research has been reviewed and distilled into seven propositions that are…

As a statement of Provincial goals and curriculum objectives for primary and junior divisions of Ontario elementary schools, this circular is intended to stimulate school self-evaluation, particularly in the basic skills area. The major responsibility for curricular planning however, rests with the school and the individual teacher. Province goals…

Twenty-two principles of middle grade education are addressed in this report, which is intended for those who have the authority to give meaning and substance to the reform of middle grade education in California's public schools. Each principle is developed through a discussion that concludes with specific recommendations that have implications…

Examines the role of technology in (1) the move toward national science standards; (2) science curriculum changes; (3) hands-on science; (4) the potential of networking teachers; and (5) science assessment. Lists products for a new science literacy and support, services, and resources for science teachers. (MDH)

This manual examines components of a non-traditional adult high school program. It is intended to aid districts interested in establishing similar programs. The first of five parts defines the role of the weekend non-traditional high school as designed to meet the needs of undereducated adults who are unable to participate in evening high school…