How do visual representations (VRs) in curriculum materials influence theoretical curriculum frameworks? Suggesting that VRs' integration into curriculum materials affords a different lens for perceiving and understanding the curriculum domain, this study draws on a curricular perspective in relation to multi-representations in texts rather than…

The Israeli high school sociology curriculum underwent changes during the 1980s and 1990s, the main one of which was the replacing of the 1988 academic-oriented curriculum with the "new" (1998) pedagogical-didactic curriculum. An analysis of the two reveals issues regarding the content of the two curricula. The article covers nine issues…

Discusses a report of a project that aimed to research needs and develop materials for the teaching of physics in vocational high schools. Describes the model that provided the framework and terminology for discussion at all stages of development, evaluation, and revision of materials. (JOW)

This article describes the "user-focused" evaluation of the new "Life Sciences and Agriculture" curriculum under current development by the Israeli Ministry of Education for rural and agricultural high schools. The four-step process involves: (1) clarifying curriculum objectives; (2) defining three classes of performance; (3)…

This paper illustrates one cycle of research development, implementation, and evaluation in an ongoing long-term improvement activity for the 10th-grade chemistry curriculum in Israel. The incorporation of student modes of thinking (correct and incorrect) about central chemistry concepts into the curriculum and an evaluation of new curriculum are…

This study examined how teachers' curriculum knowledge grows through the process of curriculum analysis and identifies particular areas of growth derived from the experience. The research was conducted with eight individual teachers in Israel. Curriculum analysis is the critical and systematic examination of curriculum materials in order to…

Although results of both formative and summative evaluation can be used for planning the next generation of a curriculum, a need exists for a third kind of evaluation, namely, Pre-Planning Evaluation (PPE). The purpose of PPE is to provide a database to curriculum development deliberations to assist in decision-making and to guard against neglect…

Serious attention should be paid to analysis of the ideological, social, and educational factors that influence Israel's secondary school curriculum. The values of the kibbutz and its educational system are not included in existing school courses and should be integrated into the social studies curriculum. More than 400 curricula, used in schools…

Evaluation of an elementary level science curriculum unit (MATAL) illustrates intensive evaluation. This method involves classroom observation by trained observers, formulation of course objectives, student interviews (ability tests), and lesson planning. It stresses the identification of learning difficulties which hinder attainment of course…

Because workloads frequently do not permit teachers to develop curriculum themselves, their participation in its formative evaluation (field testing) is a productive alternative. A seventh-grade biology program was evaluated by 14 teachers. (CP)

A very diverse population of students choose nursing as a profession in Israel. Although chemistry is basic for studying nursing, most of these students have not studied chemistry in school for longer than a single year--usually in grade 10. A chemistry curriculum for nursing schools was developed, implemented, and evaluated. This curriculum was…

Attainment of laboratory course objectives was compared for tenth and twelfth grade Israeli students using two chemistry curricula: An Experimental Chemistry Program for Secondary Schools (ECPSS) and the CHEM Study program. ECPSS students more often than non-ECPSS students, and ECPSS girls more often than boys felt they had achieved the…

The intended, perceived, implemented, and achieved curriculum of high school biology classes in Israel was studied using a variety of data sources and research methodologies. The intended curriculum was identified by analysis of commonly used laboratory manuals. The perceived curriculum was captured by procuring the views of teachers and students…

This publication discusses curriculum development in Belgium, Canada, Denmark, England, Germany, the Netherlands, Israel, Scotland, Sweden, and the United States. The book's purpose is to make available to those interested in the process of curriculum development information on how it is handled in other countries, enabling them to see to what…

This paper describes two new family life curriculum development projects at Carnegie-Mellon University and presents the results of an evaluation of two mini-courses using a modified Solomon four-group experimental design. Based on historical, sociological, anthropological, and psychological research, the first unit presents family life in Japan…