Proposes a data-based method for curriculum development that clearly displays priorities, provides a sound base for making curriculum decisions, and helps in eliminating community misunderstandings regarding those decisions (FL)

Presents a conceptual framework intended to indicate the need to consider curriculum implementation, staff development, and evaluation as integrally linked in the curriculum change process and to reinforce the idea of involving teachers meaningfully. (RS)

Only if the obvious pitfalls of the accountability paradigm can be avoided can there be hope that it will work to the ultimate good of public education. (Author)

Notes that the curriculum standards under development by the National Council for the Social Studies incorporate authentic learning assessment tasks and suggest ways that civic participation experiences can be included and the subsequent learning assessed. Discusses instruction and assessment opportunities involving citizenship education. (RS)