As societal demands for health and fitness are changing, physical education curricula must also change. The traditional multiactivity curriculum is inadequate, because poorly skilled students lack enough time to learn the necessary skills. Three alternative curriculum models (adventure education, physical fitness, and sports education)…

This paper presents a model for implementing and sustaining standards-based curricular reform and seven recommendations for principals that are grounded in the results of a comprehensive, longitudinal study. The study examined the characteristics of five schools through data from principals, teachers, students, and external observers over a 6-year…

Offers a form for determining the scope and sequence of skills in implementing a study skills curriculum. (JW)

To implement curriculum changes successfully, five guidelines should be followed: changes should be research-based; successful innovation requires organizational changes; innovations must be feasible for the average teacher; implementation efforts must be organic, not bureaucratic; and a definite curriculum plan is essential. Guidelines for…

A curriculum implementation monitoring system should be relatively inexpensive, unburdensome for faculty, and improvement oriented; produce information to guide staff development; and refrain from covertly evaluating teachers. A self-assessment checklist should report teachers' perceptions about degree of implementation, difficulty level, and…

To investigate the characteristics, benefits, and problems associated with implementing Discipline-Based Art Education, the author accompanies two hypothetical secondary school principals on a visit to a high school involved in DBAE. The tour highlights state graduation requirements, instructional materials, and student evaluation methods related…

Since 1983, funding for improving math and science education has improved dramatically. This article explains three major reform programs: Project 2061, sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science; Scope, Sequence, and Coordination, sponsored by the National Science Teachers Association; and Science/Technology/Society,…

A study of 270 sophomores taught in either a block scheduling or traditional scheduling format showed significant results for English and biology. Block schedules significantly predicted pretest to posttest differences in Educational Testing Service subject scores over and above those of students following traditional schedules. (Contains 16…

Offers suggestions for gifted education programs in rural school districts, based on practices used in some eastern Iowa districts. Discusses such considerations as program planning, program implementation, program staffing, expanding or supplementing the regular curriculum for gifted students, and facilitating interaction among participating…

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics'"Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics" (1989) and "Professional Standards for School Mathematics" (1991) need principals' help to be implemented. Secondary principals should become familiar with standards, provide teachers with long-term professional…

Divides curriculum development into 10 steps to aid administrators at the local level in planning for whole systems or for single courses. (JW)