The word "curriculum" is derived from a verb meaning "to run a course," which well describes the frantic actions of educators to adopt each new educational fad. But the curriculum revisions of recent years have not justified their cost. It is time for educators to be more conservative. (Author/SJL)

This paper examines current practices and recent literature in the area of educational alternatives and concludes that the alternative curricula movement has failed to provide a broad range of curricular alternatives that may be selected to fit the needs and interests of individual students and teachers. The authors argue that a theoretical and…

Addresses important considerations for the implementation of speaking across the curriculum. Highlights important distinctions between speech courses and speaking-across-the-curriculum courses taught by faculty in other disciplines. Argues that the benefits of speaking across the curriculum outweigh the potential harm to the field if concerns are…

This study analyzes the six-month negotiation process of a federally funded program to renew an interagency curriculum diffusion project with a state department of education and nine school districts. Because of interagency dissension during the first project year, the federal agency made concessions to obtain project renewal policies. Federal…

Alternative approaches to education can work well if they are based on common sense and sound research. Recent research findings are reported for alternative approaches to three areas: curriculum, testing and measurement, and instruction. (TE)

This document presents the results of "Internationalizing the Curriculum," a project designed to enhance the global knowledge and experiences of students and faculty at Jefferson College (Missouri). Specifically, this project encouraged the infusion of international dimensions into selected courses from several disciplines. The…

Self-determined change on the part of teachers and the administrative policies supporting such educational innovations are outlined and discussed. Chief among the policies are encouragement of innovation, cooperation, and a willingness to negotiate content and process. (JMF)

Examines what kinds of alternative postsecondary education will be available in the next century to students who are accustomed to alternative schooling. Reviews the history of undergraduate educational reform and notes the momentum for change in college and university education. Similarities with current school reform are discussed. (SM)

Presents an experimental secondary school curriculum as drafted by the Soviet Union's Ministry of Education in 1987. Intended for implementation (after modifications) by the year 2000, as part of perestroika and educational reform. Examines the curriculum's rationale. Lists school subjects, indicating number of hours and grades in which they…

The Small College, the innovative unit of California State College, was established to test whether a substantial number of students could accelerate their progress toward the Bachelor of Arts degree. In the process of the experiment, it was hoped that the Small College would develop programs that could be of value to other colleges. The Small…

This ethnographic study of mandated innovation in an urban school district analyzed teachers' emerging perspectives of curricular and concomitant administrative change. It responds to recent calls in educational research for studies that add to the understanding of the complicated processes in school worlds. Specifically, the study investigated…

In this article we examine a flexible curricular approach known as the "Option." The Option enables students to supplement traditional majors with a coherent set of courses and other educational experiences in a related, often interdisciplinary field. Options can act as curricular bridges between mainstream academic fields and problems of…

The Specials Projects (Innovations) Program of the Commonwealth Schools Commission in Australia was established to improve primary and secondary education by encouraging innovation and diversity in teaching through grants to individuals, usually teachers. This study focuses on the professional development of the teachers involved. Forty-five…

An evaluation of an experimental problem-based medical education curriculum used with 18 first-year students at the Bowman Gray Medical School of Wake Forest University is discussed. The study, which included a matched group of students experiencing a traditional curriculum, provides insights into design problems in such evaluations. (TJH)