In "Reinventing the High School Government Course," the authors presented the latest iteration of an ambitious AP government course developed over a seven-year design-based implementation research project. Chiefly addressed to curriculum developers and civics teachers, the article elaborates key design principles, provides a description…

Ten years ago, the authors of Knowing What Students Know proposed that large-scale and classroom assessment should be created from the same underlying model of learning. They suggested that, ideally, a model of learning should provide a developmental perspective, "laying out one or more typical progressions from novice levels toward competence and…

Discusses the possible ramifications of the Hatch Amendment of 1978 and gives illustrations of concepts and ideas traditionally taught in social studies courses that may cause problems for social studies programs. Calls for action on the part of educators to develop a consistent and relevant social studies curriculum. (GEA)

Focuses on a particularly scrappy subgenre of hyperscholarship in which history is combined with argument to propose curricular reform. (MG)

Examines the use of avant-garde works to expand the musical horizons of elementary, junior high, and high school choirs. Lists the criteria which determine avant-garde music, suggests sources of appropriate works, and presents examples of available music in this field. (GEA)

States that the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution, celebrated between 1987 and 1991, provides opportunities for the social studies curriculum. Discusses the need for increased knowledge of the Constitution and presents an approach to better understanding. (GEA)

Discusses the problems facing writers of curriculum documents. Concentrating on the implementation problems in elementary science education, the author attempts to clarify how a careful design of curriculum materials can improve the implementation process and outcomes. States that, for initial implementation efforts, a structured approach is more…

Discusses the identification and application of instructional support services to the instructional development process. To determine the full extent of these support services a matrix is presented, listing services and criteria for their inclusion in the ID process. (RAO)

This article presents an interview with Greg Bowe, a research fellow at the Center for Urban Education and Innovation in the College of Education at Florida International University (FIU) where he directed the Undergraduate Writing Program for seven years. Founded in 1972, FIU is a large public urban university in Miami. In this interview, Bowe…

Points out that evaluating social studies teachers requires evaluating both curriculum and instruction. Elaborates by saying social studies is such a diverse subject area that to teach it effectively, varied teaching styles must be employed. Examples of these styles include the teacher as storyteller, problem solver, scholar, and moralist. (BR)

Reviews the problems and challenges created by the demise of the American Theatre Association (ATA). Emphasizes that theater education is not adequately represented in the nation's schools. Defines theater education issues as theater education curriculum, assessment instruments, theater teacher training, and subject matter endorsement. (GG)

Responds to the Pacesetter English program by nominating it for the 1995 National Council of Teachers of English's "Doublespeak" Award. Criticizes the Pacesetter program as faulty and a "mind-numbing manipulation of teachers, texts, and students." (HB)

Discussing the inadequate support that theater receives in elementary and secondary schools, the author explores the value of theatrical processes in teaching across the curriculum. Describes three levels of experience that are vital for learning, stating that teachers must do a better job of using theater as an educational tool. (GEA)

Confronts the criticisms of discipline-based art education (DBAE), particularly those claims that DBAE is too narrow and undemocratic in its choice of subject matter and its interest in students. Argues that when properly implemented, DBAE is not only more democratic than other approaches, but it also goes farther in developing students'…

Maintains that if progress in teaching writing has bogged down, the reason is a lack of teacher involvement in effective in-service programs. (Author)