Selection of new curriculum programs on the basis of cost and effectiveness requires a careful process of identifying needs, establishing program selection criteria, analyzing and comparing alternative programs, and selecting the most appropriate programs. This document presents techniques and worksheets for use at each stage of this process. A…

This document is a guideline for selection and evaluation of social studies curriculum materials developed by the Marin Social Studies Project. Questions are presented which will help in the examination of materials so that specific strengths and weaknesses in the materials can be determined. Consideration is given to the objectives and rationale…

This paper explains the use of intrinsic analysis procedures developed, as part of the Pennsylvania School Improvement Program (PSIP), to evaluate and choose curriculum materials and instructional programs. An intrinsic analysis, as distinct from an evaluation using outcome measures or classroom processes, employs research criteria to make…

Reform-minded educators should examine business and medical models to construct a viable, research-based framework to validate proposed curricular programs before implementing them. Pursuing a reliable research base for math reform, several superintendents convinced the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement to let…

Curriculum needs can be identified and curriculum developed using the instructional design process. A fictional scenario and instructional design components are provided for those educators interested in incorporating virtual reality into the curriculum. Sample items of questionnaires are appended. (AEF)

This handbook is intended to aid in the implementation of the Pennsylvania School Improvement Program (PSIP), a curriculum improvement program. The PSIP model of curriculum improvement contains an intermediate unit (IU) linker (curriculum specialist) leading a school-level local action team (LAT) through a structured problem-solving approach to…

This guide to designing an effective second language instructional program in the public schools provides parents, community leaders, and school personnel with practical guidelines for reviewing current foreign language instructional programs and for introducing changes in the curriculum that are in line with the emphasis on communication. An…

Ten major types of evaluation used at Britain's Open University are outlined, including assessment of access, needs, courses, student progress, tutors and counselors, instructional media, computer assisted instruction, other new technologies, and academic staff. References for further reading are provided. (MSE)

Based on needs expressed by representatives from many Wisconsin school districts, this publication presents guidelines for introducing, enhancing, and evaluating the use of computer technology in schools. The first chapter provides a brief overview of the impact of computers on education and a list of principles for promoting their use in schools.…

This document presents the United States Department of Defense Dependents Schools' (DoDDS) framework for developing and evaluating curriculum. The primary innovation described is a 7-year cycle, adopted to make curriculum evaluation more flexible and less costly than under the existing 5-year cycle. Seven high-priority subject areas (science,…

A brief and flexible overview is presented of the steps that should be taken to revise social studies instruction. The booklet lists 10 steps in the revision process. Each step has a brief commentary followed by questions that a local curriculum planning group may want to consider. Some resources to help answer these questions are included. The…

Procedures for revising a K-12 social studies program so that it includes thinking skill activities and for implementing the revised curriculum are discussed. Procedures are: the formation of a curriculum committee and sub-committees; current program assessment to determine needs regarding thinking skills; deciding on a rationale; selecting…

Elementary and junior high schools in Community School District 18 in Brooklyn, New York, participated in a project to develop and implement a comprehensive system of guidance, counseling, and curriculum. The following major activities were accomplished: (1) research and review of existing programs and materials; (2) design of a comprehensive…

This volume on the general subject of foreign language curriculum deals with questions in the areas of program planning, implementation, and evaluation. The following papers are presented: (1) "Developing Foreign Language Curriculum in the Total School Setting: The Macro-picture," by Robert S. Zais; (2) "Identifying Needs and Setting Goals," by…

The Des Moines (Iowa) Public Schools foreign language program for K-12 is described and evaluated. The evaluation report focuses on six areas, including: (1) school district mission and philosophy of foreign language instruction; (2) context (state policies and standards, foreign language program overview and enrollment, fiber-optic communication…