Between 1990 and 1993 the Department of Energy's precollege mathematics and science program budget grew approximately 1,250 percent. This report responds to questions about how effectively the Department of Energy manages its precollege mathematics and science program. The following questions are addressed: (1) the appropriateness of the…

Examines the status and changes occurring in education in Spain. Discusses the country's goals and educational reform plans. Explains its rural and private school systems and identifies the positive aspects of Spain's educational movement. (ML)

Assesses the status and direction of Japan's approach to schooling. Questions the emphasis placed on rote learning and on attainment of high scores. Outlines potential themes and problems to examine for reforming Japanese schools. (ML)

Describes the controversy about the role and activities of the National Council for Vocational Qualifications (England). Discusses the primary weaknesses of the council and its competency-based education and training strategies. Suggests that the only solution may be to abolish the present system of academic and vocational qualifications. (CFR)

Designed to serve as a resource for educational planners, administrators, and concerned individuals, this report reviews elements of Korea's long-term educational development plan. An introductory section presents basic positions about major educational issues that are related to planning for a long-term educational development. Part one traces…

Maintains that there soon will be a rush to review recent state and national efforts to establish curriculum standards. Describes three nightmares and three possibilities for substantive change. Discusses the role of the National Council for the Social Studies in the standards development movement. (CFR)

This monograph examines recommendations and conerns raised by recent reports of the National Commission on Excellence in Education and other ogranizations and considers the possible ramifications for middle school education. The monograph is organized into five sections. The first provides an overview of the following five studies: "Action…

Reviews the national social studies standards developed and disseminated by the National Council for the Social Studies. Discusses 3 purposes and 10 operating assumptions of the standards. Responds to six questions that examine the standards within the classroom context. (CFR)

Asserts that the thematic approach used in the National Council for the Social Studies national standards marks a fresh era of thought in social studies instruction. Maintains that the strands can serve as a framework for social studies curriculum development and effective classroom learning experiences. (CFR)

Maintains that the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) curriculum standards provide an opportunity to integrate technology into a thematic curriculum approach. Includes an annotated bibliography of 19 recommended items of educational technology categorized by 10 of the NCSS curriculum themes. (CFR)

Maintains that over 50 years ago the American Historical Association began to reshape history and social education. Asserts that only recently have professional historians begun to become reinvolved in history instruction in the schools. Describes the efforts to create National History Standards in both world and U.S. history. (CFR)

Egalitarianism in public education must mean students have not only equal opportunity to attend school but also equal intellectual opportunities. Some solutions include a redefined mission for public education, new techniques for teaching rigorous academic subjects to non-elite students, improved school environments, and a national testing system…

Reviews author James A. Michener's role in the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and contends that his 1939 predictions for social studies should be assessed in present-day context. Concludes that the history of social studies fails to support Michener's optimistic appraisal of its future. (CFR)

Maintains that the National History Standards are a collaboration among classroom teachers, scholars, and curriculum specialists. Discusses the process used to develop the history standards. Asserts that the most contentious issue was the treatment of western civilization in the presentation of historical criteria. (CFR)

Maintains that implementing the new social studies curriculum standards has been a challenge for many elementary teachers. Asserts that high-quality children's literature is essential for an integrated, multicultural curriculum. Provides an annotated bibliography of 13 teacher resource books. (CFR)