This guidebook provides an introduction to Instructional Improvement Systems (IIS) for State education agency (SEA) managers and program leads. Functional components of a theoretical IIS model are discussed and used as a reference point for the introduction a seven-step planning and implementation cycle designed to guide SEAs in the development of…

The small school system of Genoa City, Wisconsin, developed a comprehensive curriculum to guide daily classroom instruction. Steps included selecting a textbook series before beginning the curriculum revision process and individualizing the guide by highlighting each teacher's areas of accountability. (MLF)

Encourages a movement back to providing more stories in the daily lives of children. Suggests that many classifications of story should exist within the curricula of schools and, therefore, in the hearts and minds of children, in the culture, and in the future. Presents the author's categories of stories: the gifts; teacher tales; and affirmation…

This book is a survival guide as well as a valuable tool for making our schools more effective and appropriate places for students to learn and achieve. Exploring the often complex, multifaceted, and co-occurring problems in the education system, the book addresses specific problems, discusses the real reasons they developed and persist, describes…

This booklet on spelling instruction, developed in response to requests to incoporated spelling into an integrated language arts program, contains information related to the current thinking on effective and appropriate spelling instruction. Following an overview, the booklet discusses the developmental stages of the learner, effective spelling…

Describes the contradictory impulses embedded in the secondary English curriculum. Considers changing notions of the curriculum and recent trends in curriculum design and theory. Outlines the prominent features of successful curricula based on the concept of engendering coherent conversational domains. (HB)

Describes the lessons that can be learned from the recent history of assessment in the English language arts. Considers the possible future uses to which assessment might be put in the near future. Explores the assessment activities of the National Assessment of Educational Progress over the past several years. (HB)

Schools or districts that have articulated their educational goals but whose students are not satisfactorily achieving those goals may need assistance in improving their curriculum or their instructional techniques. This document consists of three units designed to help a group of educators develop plans for such improvements. The first unit…

To help avoid past mistakes in attempts at curriculum and instructional improvement, this article offers five guidelines for secondary school curriculum change and innovation. (DCS)

Designed for the middle-school educator, this guide presents successful instructional and operational programs. All programs originated at the school level and were adapted or implemented by principals, teachers, or parents close to the problems the programs address. The programs come from four major sources: national and regional conferences, the…

Twelve "best practices" guidelines are offered to provide truly differentiated instruction for gifted students. Guidelines are based on theory, research, and experience and, taken together, result in appropriate differentiated service options. (DB)

Lets the reader "listen in" as a group of four teachers search for a focusing question as they plan a focus study on the colonial period of American history. Organizes the authors' thinking, knowledge, resources, and predictions about what the students might bring to the table and what they might need from their teachers. (SG)

An essential part of moving forward with the Understanding by Design[R] framework is to make sure its principles and strategies are reflected in all aspects of your school improvement efforts, including curriculum planning, leadership, teacher professional development, and action research. Here's a book designed to help you. From creating your…

Ways of determining when a school is ready to plan and implement major instructional improvements are presented. Three primary areas are suggested for in-depth exploration and consideration, and to facilitate the process the following problem-solving tools are outlined: (1) guidelines for assessing readiness for using a group problem-solving…

This guide is designed to provide assistance and support to school districts for the development of a comprehensive K-12 environmental education program. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of knowledge, attitudes, and skills that would lead to responsible stewardship of the environment. Infusion of environmental topics into all curricular areas…