Previous papers in this issue of "JCS" have presented case studies of the state-based curriculum commissions that developed the "Illinois Learning Standards" of 1997 and Norway's "Laereplanverket 1997" ("L97") (1997). The studies were developed using as a framework a body of German research that sees…

This case study of the development of the Norwegian compulsory school curriculum of 1997, "Laereplanverket 1997," parallels a study of the development of the "Illinois Learning Standards" of 1997. The pair of case studies is designed to explore the administration of state-based curriculum-making and, in particular, the use in…

This case study of the development of the "Illinois Learning Standards" of 1997 parallels a study of the development of the Norwegian compulsory school curriculum of 1997, "Laereplanverket 1997." The pair of case studies is designed to explore the administration of state-based curriculum-making and, in particular, the use of…

This paper introduces the questions and approaches of a five-nation cross-cultural study of state-based curriculum-making discussed in this issue of "JCS." The paper reviews the two decade-long interest of many nations in state-based curriculum-making and presents a framework for thinking about state-based curriculum-making as a tool of…

This paper frames the problem underlying the cross-cultural Organizing Curriculum Change (OCC) study of state-based curriculum-making. The paper discusses the increased use by states over the past two decades of the century-old instrument of the state-based curriculum and the tool of the curriculum commission. The paper contrasts the slender…

The paper identifies three tools that support the administrative instrument of a state-based curriculum commission: compartmentalization, licensing, and segmentation. These tools channel the state's curriculum-making towards forms of symbolic rather than regulatory action. The state curriculum becomes a framework for the ideological governance of…

The study of curriculum may be characterized as an inquiry into the range of ways in which the subject matters of teacher, student, subject, and milieu can be seen. A review of the literature indicates that curriculum theory has been under development for several years. However, considerable research and conceptual formulation must be done to…

Results from an evaluation study of a new masters' program in social work are described. The paper focuses upon the interaction between program goals that are conceived in terms of (1) the need to train social work students in three methods of social work, and (2) the need to prepare students who could address the problems of disorganized urban…

This article explores the place of Ralph Tyler and Joseph Schwab in the history of curriculum studies, and educational theory more broadly. I argue that most analyses of both Schwab's and Tyler's work are built not on their own life-projects and writings, but developed from blinkered readings of a narrow range of their writings selected to meet…

Preparing teachers for a research-based professionalism has been the central mission of teacher education in Finland since the mid-1970s. More recently, as a result of such national policy developments as school-based curriculum development and local decision-making, the conception of teachers' work and professionalism has expanded. Drawing on…

Description of a general model of teaching which emphasizes certain inherent, fundamental tasks and constraints, and a review of literature related to the model and to open education attempt to increase understanding of what the class-room is and what reform of the classroom entails. (Author/KM)

The process of change and development of the mathematics curriculum in the United States is reviewed. Fundamental changes of implemented curricula from 1960-1980 are discussed in the light of the considerable efforts at reform during the 1950's and 1960's. Elements of the educational system are mapped out, and reasons for the lack of effective…

An attempt is made to define the meaning of invention and innovation in mathematics education in order to help develop guidelines for policies of research and development in this area. Spectrums of invention in the realms of geometry and group theory are proposed as models of ordering understanding of creative activity within mathematics. This…

We, who conduct curriculum studies, should be focusing our discussion on an analysis of what schools do not do, on what they are not achieving, so as to build an understanding of what can be done to give effect to our own, and our societies', minimalist aspirations for the schools. (Author)

Curriculum change and the dynamics of this change were explored by means of a case study of secondary social studies, science, and vocational education curriculums in Gary, Indiana, between 1940 and 1970. The time period is characterized by both unprecedented effort to produce change and slow change in the schools. The study asked how this could…