A model basic speech communication course is described in this paper, along with guidelines for developing and maintaining a cognitive-basic skills approach to such a course. The course outline describes the university environment where the course is taught; the structure of the department offering the course; the philosophy and course objectives;…

The purpose of this document is to provide a continuous, integrated, and sequential list of basic language arts skills for grades 1-12. The skills are listed for each grade in appropriate categories (such as reading skills, written communication, oral communications, and language skills), with the expected level of competency (mastery, competency,…

The word "back" in back to the basics means endless study of language analysis and memorization of factual bits to the neglect of affective concerns and broader cognitive objectives. (DD)

An important part of curriculum planning for the teacher is knowing how to evaluate time expenditures against learning goals for individual students. (JD)

The specific educational objectives or basic learning skills are listed for the Virginia elementary school grades. Minimum skills are listed in reading, communications, and mathematics. Terminal objectives for reading include skills in word identification or decoding, comprehension, and study skills. Communication skills include listening,…

The adult world expects more of its youth than cognitive proficiency, and merely to use pious rhetoric to advocate return to basics does not solve the existing educational problems. (DS)

In an effort to expand research on effective and ineffective schools into the area of student attitudes, this study examined the cognitive, as well as the noncognitive scores for two groups of Pennsylvania schools that had been identified as effective or ineffective. Cognitive and noncognitive data were available for all 500 school districts for…

This curriculum guide provides aid in organizing and planning for the mathematical needs of the individual classroom. It is recommended that: (1) each teacher study the entire curriculum to become familiar with the concepts that interlock and blend all the grades together, and (2) all students with average ability master 70% of the skills. The…

Discusses problems which arise when a discipline such as music uses more than one learning domain. Points out the difficulty in developing music skills while trying to achieve cognitive goals such as those outlined in Bloom's taxonomy. Examines whether such a taxonomy can help in sequencing learning in the music classroom. Provides suggestions for…

Issues related to basic skills education are discussed, beginning with a review of recent trends in American education. The 1960's are characterized as a decade of innovation, while the 1970's are described in terms of interest in accountability and cost effectiveness. Several reasons for current concerns about basic skills are suggested: parents'…

Competency needs are identified by the Tennessee Higher Education Committee: (1) writing, reading, speaking, and calculating for practical purposes; (2) basic understanding of history, science, economics, literature, etc; and (3) logical thinking, moral sensibility, and personal awareness. (Author/LBH)

This report presents findings of an evaluation of Project Concern, a basic skills and career development program initially undertaken to foster school desegregation by busing inner city pupils to suburban schools in the Hartford, Connecticut, metropolitan area. The report describes the outcomes of project graduates, dropouts, and nonparticipants…

This guide was developed to give Kansas mathematics teachers from grades K-12 minimal sequential experiences in implementing the skills, values, and concepts of the mathematics program, and to provide a basic outline for developing a local program. All teachers are encouraged to make a real effort to see that their activities fit into the overall…

This report discusses one elementary school's implementation of a system of teaching and testing by objectives in compliance with a Michigan State Board of Education accountability model. The model used by the school called for (1) goals developed by each building; (2) performance objectives identified for subdivisions of schools, for teachers,…

Educational institutions have at least two major functions: education and certification of competency. This paper examines the educational strengths and limitations of the mastery learning instruction model with respect to fulfilling these functions. The components of the mastery model are contrasted with components of other instructional models,…