Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) are often the center of discussion among faculty in higher education during discourse about curriculum conceptualization, design, planning development, and implementation. This commentary offers a functionally-centered framework that places faculty feasibility, fluidity, freedom, and flexibility around a core…

The Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges has adopted regulations establishing distinct sets of standards for courses which may or may not be applied for credit toward the associate degree. In addition, the Board requires that noncredit courses be approved through the same local curriculum review and approval process as credit…

As the stewards of America's colleges and universities, trustees have a central role to play in the struggle for a more diverse and equitable educational experience for all Americans. This means encouraging better student preparation, improving racial balance on campus, broadening the curriculum, and establishing an environment for tolerance.…

Designed to assist California community college personnel in implementing 1986 regulations concerning associate degree requirements, this paper analyzes the key terms in the new policy, "college level" and "critical thinking," and discusses practical implications for assessment, curriculum, and instruction. First, the paper…

The philosophy upon which this monograph is based is the belief that one of the responsibilities of the schools is to prepare all youth to become active and well-informed participants in a democratic society. Alternatives and options are recommended for improving the school curriculum, governance, teacher effectiveness, testing, discipline, and…

A discussion of educational reform in Central and Eastern Europe in general, and Romania in particular, suggests four distinct reform stages: destructuring (1990); stabilization (1991-92); restructuring (1993-95); and counterreform (after 1993). Political, social, and economic attitudes and actions characterizing these stages are examined. (MSE)

It is suggested that the curriculum is comprised of a set of experiences, selected to facilitate a student's progress toward defined educational goals. The curriculum should be appropriate to the mission of the college as well as to the kinds of students enrolled. (MLW)

A discussion of Dutch higher education looks at whether a 1985 proposal for fundamental changes in the relationship between government and higher education institutions has been implemented with regard to curriculum design. It is concluded that, despite policy intentions for increased institutional autonomy, the government retains relatively tight…

Discusses what is typically meant by systemic reform, describes a study of five science reform efforts, then examines the cautions about systemic reform that arise from the study of the reform efforts. The paper ends by discussing alternative ideas about state level efforts to reform science teaching and learning. (SM)

Five issues affecting faculty in the 1980s are examined in relation to organizational differences within higher education: authority in academic decision making and its influence on government regulation; faculty role within the institution's organizational structure; faculty security in relation to enrollment; career mobility; and faculty and…

The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) formulates standards that do not focus on the quality of teacher education graduates. Their "standards" also act as a prop for obsolete curricula and place too great an emphasis on regulating processes and procedures. (JN)

This paper discusses the incongruity among education's multiplicity of conflicting actors, theories, and values that affect curriculum decision-making. This discussion is divided into three major concerns: sociopolitical, professional, and student. Sociopolitical concerns include the impact of peace, war, human sexuality, environment, work and…

Examines educational reform in the 1980s, noting implications for teacher preparation and describing restructured school characteristics (e.g., changes in organizational and governance structure, redesign of teacher work, and resource reallocation). Prospective teachers need more preparation in areas like organizational theory and human relations…

Discusses the review of California's master plan for higher education by a state blue-ribbon commission. Reviews the commission's recommendations concerning the community college curriculum, student progress, transfer programs, governance, and accountability. Considers the work of the commission a reflection of a new alliance between faculty and…

Identifies five interlinked and interdependent issues characterizing institutional transformation in South African higher education: (1) democratizing institutional governance structures; (2) increasing access for educationally and financially disadvantaged students; (3) restructuring the curriculum; (4) focusing on developmental needs in research…