In returning to the classroom, schools are at a crossroads and uniquely positioned to recreate and reinvent themselves. The current issues of equity, social-emotional sensitivity, curriculum reform, civic involvement, public health policy and environmental infrastructure are opportunities to build more responsive schools with students better…

When teachers adopt standards-based learning, students take ownership of their education and achievement soars. Written specifically for K-12 teachers, this resource details a sequential approach for connecting curriculum, instruction, assessment methods, and feedback through standards-based education. The authors provide practical advice,…

The Native American Needs Assessment Action Plan is designed to assist educators and administrators in addressing the needs and areas of possible opportunity that have been identified through the annual Native American Needs Assessment conducted by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. The Action Plan is organized around areas of need…

In response to increasingly vigorous and vocal criticism of American education, the author proposes a new model for curriculum development--a double triad that would combine the traditional cooperative efforts of administrators, teachers, and school board members with involvement of the community, parents, and students. The author suggests…

Urges the inclusion in planning and in-service education programs of effective ways teachers can interact with parents and students to help them understand the English language arts program. (DD)

Recounts the experiences of starting a new school designed, built, staffed, and programmed around the following beliefs: all students can be successful learners; all can learn at significantly high levels; research should inform the instructional process; and curriculum content must reflect high expectations for students, though instructional time…

This manual on training parents in career education contains information that was obtained from a project during which staff from Teachers College of Columbia University provided formal training in career education for parents of handicapped children and youth. Following a description of the Parent Training Project in Career Education, various…

Described are several methods which have been used successfully to involve students in curriculum planning. Methods include: the game approach of Bonanza; a simulation game, Marquis; and the committee approach. The conclusion is that curriculum planners cannot afford to deny students the right to help direct their own destiny. (KC)

Developed by the staff of the Albuquerque Integration Model (Project AIM Outreach), the guidelines present a framework for organizing and conducting an integrated classroom for handicapped and nonhandicapped preschoolers. AIM is reviewed in terms of its conception of placement along a continuum of less restrictive environments. Guidelines center…

A two-year preschool and kindergarten sequence is conducted on a full-day schedule with five-year-olds attending school three days a week and four-year-olds attending the alternate days, both groups with the same teachers. The program was recognized for excellence in curriculum development. (MLF)

Some school systems are finding practical ways to enhance music programs. Experts suggest ways for schools to (1) build a marketing plan, (2) make it easier for children to participate in the music program, (3) provide reinforcement, and (4) publicize the program. (MLF)

The decisions today's students make ripple outward to their immediate family and school community. How can teachers help students make the right decisions and do the right things? When teachers help students make the connection between character and conduct, they begin to offer students a safe environment conducive to learning. This book shows how…

Urges early childhood teachers to extend the curriculum into their work with children's families to improve parent partnerships and enhance relationships. Details three strategies for assessing how curriculum is integrated: (1) explore questions at the heart of the curriculum; (2) consider the ingredients of thoughtful curriculum planning; and (3)…

The Curriculum Inquiry Cycle is a professional development process that supports educators as they match curriculum and instruction to state standards, local needs, and student characteristics. Ways in which to implement this cycle are provided in this booklet. There are four phases in the cycle: examining current practice, making decisions,…

Presents steps that communities can take to use politics for the benefit of curriculum development. (Author/MLF)