Education bureaucrats in 45 states have approved the Common Core State Standards ([CCSS], 2010) as the de facto national curriculum. The implementation of the CCSS will be monitored by a national standardized test in language arts and mathematics. The confluence of a standardized curriculum enforced with a standardized test will entrench a…

"May you live in interesting times," goes the saying, attributed to the Chinese, although the provenance is unproven. It is widely understood to be a curse, for which a loose translation could be: "May you experience disorder and trouble in your life." In this essay Christine Woyshner raises the issue of the "interesting…

Regardless of what one thinks of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), the current national education legislation has demonstrated the power and potential of learning standards linked with systems of accountability to influence classroom experiences. Unfortunately, the changes promoted by the legislation have tied the professional hands and suppressed the…

I have been an English teacher for 38 (gulp!) years. For over 20 of those I have taught "English methods" courses in initial teacher education programs. As the retirement light glows increasingly brighter at the end of my career pathway, I reflect on three aspects of teaching English that have been--and remain--the cornerstones of my…

This article presents the author's response to John Hull's thoughtful evaluation of his article on shaping school curriculum in which many Christian educators have played a part. The author cites that particularly pertinent in Hull's paper is his contention that living a life of discipleship as a school community is at least as significant as…

As John Dewey noted in his last book, each generation, in its turn, must assume responsibility as caretaker of democracy. He noted that one should never take democracy for granted. Everyone lives in an imperfect democracy, and teacher educators should play their part in protecting, nurturing, and advancing democratic ideals, rituals, values, and…

In this article, the author presents a rejoinder to John E. Hull. Van Brummelen first states his appreciation of John Hull's thoughtful evaluation of his views of curriculum, views in which many Christian educators have played a part. It has been several decades since the author spelled out what Hull calls an "education for discipleship"…

The evolution of several interrelated myths reflects a combination of misinterpretation of statistics, the commendable intention of ensuring that bias and prejudice do not play roles in the provision of services to underrepresented populations of gifted students, and misapplication of programming options for gifted students. Separately, these…

Considers the need to reestablish the position of philosophy in the humanities. Questions the value of detachment and specialization as traits of the professional philosopher. Urges philosophers to take themselves less seriously and approach their discipline with humor. (DMM)

Computer keyboards are being used by everyone from elementary students to business executives in industry. All need basic touch keyboarding skills to make efficient use of these computers. The challenge is for business educators to initiate these keyboarding courses at all levels. (JOW)

Curriculum building is a creative exercise that considers learning needs and contexts, seeks integrative perspectives, and offers opportunities for professional interaction. A five-stage approach to curriculum building includes assessment/validation, mapping, deconstruction, reconstruction, and completion/negotiation/approval/implementation. (SK)

The Applied Communication curriculum addresses skills students will need as adults and offers the best means for imparting them. Students acquire relevant skills and enhanced self-esteem; teachers take on an exciting new role as facilitator or coach. (Author/JOW)

Teachers must play a significant role in reforming the schools and developing curriculum. A developmental process for establishing an effective learning community starts with collaboration, vision, ongoing development, and an ethos that supports the mission. (JOW)

Analyzes curriculum innovations in formal educational settings in Australia and defines the dynamic by which external and internal influences affect teacher role in classrooms. (MD)

The author discusses his opposition to gifted curriculum developed largely by teachers and suggests that real problems should be the focus of gifted programing. Two curriculum models are described according to four variables: the roles of students, knowledge, creativity, and teachers. (CL)