Deciding which instructional strategies to employ is a complex issue faced daily by middle school teachers. Although a wealth of literature on developmentally appropriate and responsive middle school instructional practices is available, the extent to which these strategies are employed is often unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study was to…

Both college- and noncollege-bound students have a right to develop the intellectual skills our society needs through the study of liberal arts in high school. (MJL)

To overcome the fragmentation of secondary school curricula, the authors argue for a core curriculum of cluster courses, allowing students to acquire required skills and pattern their options. They suggest clusters in languages, business, histroy, art, home economics, and industrial education, alternating through four years of the curriculum. (JW)

To date, music has played a relatively minor role in U.S. schools. Current research has uncovered findings about the value of music study and its relationship to academic achievement. Music instruction is a powerful tool that educators can use to promote academic achievement and mental discipline. Music deserves a place alongside the core subjects…

Responding to an article by James Gaddy and Linda Kelly in the September 1983 "Bulletin," the author describes the unique quality of the American educational system and reminds educators that the direction of the system is the responsibility of society. (MD)

A study of the 18 "most effective" high schools in California uses analysis of questionnaires completed by administrators of the schools to identify eight recurring general factors of effectiveness. (DCS)

Developed to improve the self-concept and study skills of underachievers, this project brought together 20 ninth graders for 3 periods daily with 1 teacher for English, geography, and supplemental instruction. Results include improved self-confidence, a lower dropout rate, and better grades for 12 students. (MJL)

Tandem teaching employs the best qualities of seven innovative classroom approaches (team teaching, core curriculum, flexible scheduling, elective classes, individualized instruction, peer tutoring, and computer-assisted instruction) to restructure the curriculum, relieve boredom, and maximize class time. Success depends on careful planning and…

Not just computers, technology is the product of human imagination, inventiveness, and creativity that has defined the iron, industrial, and information ages. Technology education is a core subject that provides fundamental understandings to build future citizens, family members, consumers, and workers. The United States has been slow to develop…

Curriculum organization, particularly in the secondary school, should provide for continuity, sequence, and integration of knowledge. There are five basic schemes of organization discussed in this article. (Author/WD)

Current concepts of performance assessment are very promising, partly because they are consistent with approved curriculum practice. The contemporary rationale for performance assessment has been largely uninformed by past ideas and practices. Overreliance on standardized test scores prevails, despite the midcentury core curriculum movement and…

Saying that the systems approach to teaching has not yet been sufficiently developed to revolutionize school curricula, the author advocates combining traditional approaches with in-school development of problem-solving packages. (Editor)

High school improvement is possible with visionary leadership and common goals. Ayer (Massachusetts) High School is a small, comprehensive school that has restructured itself to meet 21st century needs. Revolutionary changes have occurred in instructional improvement, core curriculum, technology education, class size, graduation requirements,…

Art is increasingly being accepted as an essential subject within general education. Article discusses what constitutes substantive student learning in art, emerging careers in the visual arts, and the principal's responsibility to hire well- qualified, caring art teachers. Students deprived of regular art study often lack basic appreciation for…

Technology study, a discipline with its own distinct character, history, and research methodologies, should be integrated into the middle-level curriculum. Students should learn about the technological systems humans depend on for food, clothing, shelter, and economic livelihood. Hands-on activities may include designing a new product. (37…