Based on a literature review, class observations, and interviews with teachers and students, this article offers a conception of higher order thinking (as signifying challenge and expanded use of the mind), discusses reasons for the difficulty of promoting it in high schools, and suggests ways principals can help. (MLH)

Describes a middle school program in Wisconsin that has a curriculum based on basic skills and provides exposure to special areas such as art, business, education, foreign language, music, home economics, physical education, and industrial education. (MD)

Offers suggestions for types and content of curriculum guides as well as for curriculum use and evaluation. (Author/WD)

In a September 1988 "NASSP Bulletin" article, the author challenged readers to construct a question analysis matrix for curriculum evaluation in relation to critical thinking and problem solving. The author's solution, featuring various "domains" or components categorized according to planning, implementation, and outcome stages, comprises this…

The chair of the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence explains the center's STAR (Straight Talk about Risks) program, a pre-K-12 curriculum designed to teach children how to reduce their chances of being victimized by gun violence. Students rehearse behaviors that may one day be life saving, such as resisting peer pressure and recognizing and…

Catalogues past experience in haphazard curriculum planning and offers suggestions for ensuring that curriculum design occurs through logical, orderly, and comprehensive planning. (Author/WD)

Educational excellence must be measured in terms of all of a school's programs, and the keystone of a comprehensive counseling program is a credible system for evaluation. Guidance plans must address the developmental needs of all students. (MD)

Administrators at Edina-West Secondary School in Edina (Minnesota) are making the curriculum more specific through an integrated in-service evaluation plan. (Author/MLF)

Implementation of professional knowledge in school settings is process involving deep, substantive philosophical considerations. Philosophical leanings are central in shaping school's mission and overall program direction. Summarizes results of study examining Texas secondary school principals' philosophical leanings in areas of curricular…

In discussing how to ascertain whether new technologies are achieving their goal in curriculum development, the author provides a detailed discussion of procedures for evaluating their effectiveness. Provides two checklists for assessing technological applications. (MD)

To ensure that curriculum development staff are focusing on student needs, this article suggests a question matrix showing the holistic relationship in the planning, implementation, and outcomes processes and in five interrelated program components (curriculum design, instructional means, resources, staff development, and learning experience).…

If the textbook and material selection process is to be adequately supported in school budgets, curriculum directors, teachers, and administrators must be able to defend their requests with high-quality information. This article offers nine suggestions to help build a leadership structure and a database for making appropriate textbook selections.…

Outlines a five year old student leadership program in a New York state high school. This is a year-round multi-faceted program that serves the needs of students, school, and community. (MD)

Describes the establishment and development of a five-year plan called Project 1992. It was developed by a high school to help adapt to the changing needs in curriculum development that technological changes and their ramifications will require in the future. Outlines the planning, organizing, and writing of the plan. (MD)

Defining the meaning, practical uses and purposes, and objectives of consumer education, the author clarifies confusion regarding the topic. (MD)