This review essay explores the complexities and challenges involved in addressing controversial issues in the K-12 public school classroom, drawing from two recent books: Noddings and Brooks's "Teaching Controversial Issues: The Case for Critical Thinking and Moral Commitment in the Classroom" and Zimmerman and Robertson's "The Case…

This article presents a review of four chapters in "Part I, Section A: Making Curriculum" of "The SAGE Handbook of Curriculum and Instruction" (F. M. Connelly, M. F. He, J. I. Phillion, Eds.; Sage Publications, 2008). The reviewer asserts that these chapters ["Curriculum Policy and the Politics of What Should Be Learned in Schools (Benjamin Levin.…

Handbooks denote representative authority, which gives their content normative value and through which editors and authors can emphasize certain views and orientations within a field. The representative authority of a handbook is reinforced in various ways, both obvious and subtle. The "SAGE Handbook of Curriculum and Instruction" is no exception…

This article presents a review of four chapters in "Part I, Section A: Making Curriculum" of "The SAGE Handbook of Curriculum and Instruction" (F. M. Connelly, M. F. He, J. I. Phillion, Eds.; Sage Publications, 2008). These chapters ["Curriculum Policy and the Politics of What Should Be Learned in Schools" (Benjamin…

This article presents a review of three chapters in "Part III, Section F: Inquiring into Curriculum" of "The SAGE Handbook of Curriculum and Instruction" (F. M. Connelly, M. F. He, J. I. Phillion, Eds.; Sage Publications, 2008). These chapters ["Reenvisioning the Progressive Tradition in Curriculum" (David T. Hansen,…

This article presents a review of five chapters in "Part III, Section F: Inquiring into Curriculum" of "The SAGE Handbook of Curriculum and Instruction" (F. M. Connelly, M. F. He, J. I. Phillion, Eds.; Sage Publications, 2008). These chapters ["Part III: Curriculum in Theory. Introductory Essay" (William H. Schubert. pp. 391-398); "Curriculum…

Bloom's book, "The Closing of the American Mind," is an argument for intellectual isolationism and, as such, is potentially dangerous. In addition, Bloom has misconstrued Plato's "Republic," a text central to his critique of modernity and its education. (IAH)

Argues that the book provides a useful starting point for the consideration of curriculum in the preschool years, although several chapters do not reflect current research. Discusses the topics covered by the book and its theoretical basis, as well as the inclusion of learning activities. (JPB)

This article presents a review of five chapters in "Part II, Section C: Diversifying Curriculum" of "The SAGE Handbook of Curriculum and Instruction" (F. M. Connelly, M. F. He, J. I. Phillion, Eds.; Sage Publications, 2008). The reviewers suggest that in these chapters ["Curriculum and Cultural Diversity" (Gloria Ladson-Billings, Keffrelyn D.…

Discusses the importance of vocabulary development in literacy programs. Uses six criteria to describe the ideal vocabulary development resource with the awareness that most commercially available resources will need to be supplemented by the teacher. Reviews five instructional resources available for the intermediate and middle school grades. (MG)

Reviews and suggests three professional resources for integrating biography and poetry into the curriculum as interesting literary genres at any grade level. (MG)

Reviews this collection of essays by leading figures in library collection development, edited by Peggy Johnson and Sheila S. Intner. States that this book "deserves the attention of curriculum planners." (JMV)

Reviews four comprehensive works for beginning and experienced early child care educators: (1) "Supporting Young Learners: Ideas for Preschool and Day Care Providers" (Brickman and Taylor); (2) "A Child Goes Forth: A Curriculum Guide for Preschool Children," (Taylor); (3) "Early Childhood Curriculum" (Catron and Allen); and (4) "A Practical Guide…

Discusses Goldstein's study of one possible application of a feminist curriculum theory for early childhood education and the nature of teaching with love. Notes the connections made between feminism and teaching in the approach and the usefulness of the book for those seeking an alternative approach. (JPB)

Discusses several articles on the issue of introducing gay and lesbian literature into the curriculum. (SR)