In each issue of "JSD," Joellen Killion explores a recent research study to help practitioners understand the impact of particular professional learning practices on student outcomes. In this issue, she describes Z. Kisa and R. Correnti's 2015 longitudinal study of fidelity of implementation of principles of reform-aligned professional…

Addressed are the complexities of defining curriculum. Curriculum decision-making involves value judgments and distribution problems. Four principal considerations of systematic curriculum development include what to study, who is taught, how to teach, and the interrelationship between subject matters. (SI)

Discusses the changes made by the North Carolina General Assembly in the state school system with the Basic Education Plan (BEP). The plan focuses on curriculum, class size, spiral curriculum, and competency examinations. Reports that the BEP views the arts as basic to education. (GG)

This paper reports findings from a detailed critical analysis of commonly used curriculum materials and assessment devices for the study of literature in kindergarten through sixth grade. The paper provides descriptive information and suggestions for improved design and use of curricula available to classroom teachers, especially with respect to…

This position paper offers a review of the recent criticisms levelled against the products of the National History Standards committees and addresses those criticisms. The four issues of controversy suggested for consideration when examining the U.S. history or world history volumes include: (1) Who wrote these books? (2) Are the standards…

This handbook, which suggests resources for curriculum development, is designed to assist schools in meeting the curriculum requirements of Vermont's Public School Approval and to be a resource for local districts developing curriculum. Sections are represented on: (1) establishing the necessity for curriculum revision and/or development; (2)…

Recent surveys have shown that the basic speech communication course, designed to introduce students to the discipline and to meet their basic proficiency needs, is alive and growing rapidly. While this is generally good news, a more critical examination reveals a variety of issues in need of resolution. A significant amount of course time is…

The Science/Technology/Society (STS) theme describes a contemporary trend in education which focuses on the teaching of issues such as air quality, nuclear power, land use, and water resources but justification for including STS in the high school core curriculum has a precedence based on historical connections among science, technology, and…

This guide complements the two other social studies documents at the Senior 4 level for the social studies curriculum sequence for schools in Manitoba, Canada. The primary focus of this document is to explore the impact made by significant historical developments, movements, and individuals that shaped and influenced Western Civilization…

Examined are the ongoing and proposed approaches to curriculum research. Individual research approaches are classified according to six general foci that explicate the characteristics of each curriculum research approach and identify the variants, limitations, and references of each approach. (SI)

This paper advocates a more active role for administrators in curriculum supervision, claiming that two of the most neglected areas in supervision are the content and the amount of time allocated to that content and its objectives. An essential task of curriculum supervision should therefore be to make sure that content and corresponding time…

This syllabus outlines art instruction in grades seven and eight and focuses on the visual arts concepts of space and structure, movement, and color and light. The publication is organized under the following sections: (l) Goals and Objectives; (2) Focus: Grades 7 and 8; (3) Scope and Sequence; (4) Developing a Curriculum from This Syllabus; (5)…

Guidelines developed by the Section on Physiology of the American Association of Dental Schools for use by educational institutions as curriculum development aids are presented. Primary educational goals, prerequisites, core content, and specific behavioral objectives are discussed. (MLW)

Designed to aid teachers and administrators in developing curriculum and improving instruction in the K-12 social studies, this guide is intended to help districts enhance and build upon their current local curriculum. It is also designed to assist educators in developing social studies programs to meet children's educational needs. The guide is…

Explores the concept of "null curriculum"--what schools do not teach. Attempts to define the term, focusing on possible uses in theory, research, and practice. While hard to define and limited as a research concept, "null curriculum" can inform cosiderations of curriculum goals, content, and selection criteria. Lists eight…