Examines six simplistic beliefs about curriculum and their implications for curriculum development and educational practice. Argues that simplistic notions of curriculum must be challenged, and extensive efforts must be made to develop a comprehensive concept of curriculum. (JG)

Argues that a key question underlying competency-based education concerns what kinds of knowledge and skills are of significant social importance to society, and suggests that society's fundamental interests are in the education of politically and economically competent citizens. (Author/JG)

Thoughtfully constructed standards provide valuable direction for curriculum and instruction. But to bring about significant improvement in education, standards must be linked to students' learning experiences and to classroom assessments. The author describes the table of specifications, a planning tool for analyze standards for instruction and…

Outcome-based education is rooted in earlier ideas, such as Tyler's objectives, Spady's outcomes, Glaser's criterion-referenced measurement, Bloom's mastery learning, 1970s accountability concerns, and the 1960s competency-based education movement. Minnesota's experience suggests various practical implementation challenges concerned with…

Suggests that understanding different conceptual models of curriculum making will increase the effectiveness and rationality of the development process. Presents four commonly used models of curriculum development: empiricism, rationalism, pragmatism, and humanism. (Author/JM)

Describes Oregon's experience with developing and implementing new requirements for high school graduation, based on minimum competency standards defined by local school districts. (JG)

Classroom instruction is aligned with grade level basic objectives and a yearly survey of these skills. Methods and resources that elementary school principals and teachers can use to teach essential skills are being developed. (Author/MLF)