Four characteristics of curriculum theory are proposed: (1) Curriculum theory focuses on content, aims, and program development in education; (2) Curriculum theory rationalizes procedures for curriculum construction; (3) Curriculum theory conceptualizes curricular phenomena; and (4) Curriculum theory attempts to explain curricular phenomena. (JN)

Any system for the sponsorship, support, or design of educational projects (such as curriculum projects) has intrinsic biases as to style and content. To test the thesis that these biases are virtually inevitable and precede considered policy, two simplified models of systems support can be used: the "Culture Ministry" approach and the "In Situ"…