A collaborative of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and education faculty developed a STEM certificate aimed at elementary education majors. A four-phase process model was used to create and evaluate courses. The certificate is comprised of three interdisciplinary, team-taught, lab-based courses: Environmental Biology,…

In the age of standardized testing, science and social studies are not given the same priority as mathematics and reading in the curriculum of United States schools. High stakes testing is viewed as having heavily biased schools toward teaching tested subjects and away from less frequently tested subjects. This paper is premised on the notion that…

This ERIC "FAST Bib" provides annotations of ERIC documents and journal articles that address the question of how to balance two opposing forces operating in today's schools, i.e., the forces of change and complacency, to establish an exemplary language arts curriculum that is a reality and not just a theoretical mirage. The 18…

A collection of activities is presented for teachers to help students explore the schooling process, from the overall organization of the school district to the daily aspects of learning in the classroom. (CB)

Suggests topics that require thorough consideration in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of a high-quality elementary school foreign language program, including a plan of action; program evaluation; program support; feasibility determinations; program philosophy, outcomes and goals, structure, and scheduling; curriculum and materials;…

Using an ethnographic approach, this article describes the factors influencing the curriculum planning of a fifth grade teacher. (Author/MP)

Presents a study that measured and compared the effect of an experimental drawing treatment upon the drawing performance of students from the United States and Jamaica. Designed to be a meaningful part of a multicultural curriculum, the strategy proved effective in teaching still-life drawing to both groups of students. (GEA)

Describes an elective, noncrisis course on death and dying which targets fifth graders. Discusses both the psychological theory behind the program and the ways that life and death values can be clarified. Program tries to allow children to grieve previous losses and helps children to develop appropriate grieving behaviors. (RJM)

This report summarizes and compares the views of six experts (three university professors and three elementary teachers) concerning elementary-level social studies teaching. The experts were asked to treat the topic comprehensively by addressing issues of curriculum (goals and objectives, selection and organization of content); instruction…

This workbook offers teachers, superintendents, curriculum directors, and site principals step-by-step guidance to incorporate technology into the elementary school environment. The following chapters are included: (1) "The Challenge of Building a Quality Technology Program"; (2) "Creating a School Context for Technology…

Contends that the use of commercial published curricula, particularly textbooks and teacher's guides, is widespread in U.S. church-sponsored programs of religious education. Reports on case studies of five church-school teachers on their curriculum development and lesson-planning procedures. (CFR)

This paper discusses issues in instructional material development for rural gifted children in Australia. Issues include who should develop curriculum materials, what form should enrichment materials take, which theoretical frameworks are appropriate, and how should content be selected. Interdisciplinary materials used in developing a unit in…

Qualitative methods were used to examine teacher perceptions regarding curriculum and instructional changes made as inclusive programs for students with mild disabilities were developed and implemented in six elementary schools. Teachers reported fundamental changes had occurred related to curricular requirements, instructional methods, methods of…

This booklet is the seventh in a series on educational practices that generally improve learning. The psychological principles described in the booklet summarize important findings of recent research on learning that is relevant for education. The principles attempt to integrate research coming from diverse areas of psychology, including…

Describes the introduction into a fourth-grade classroom with access to technology, a new pedagogy emphasizing prior learning, social interaction, and learning processes. Notes the tensions that arose within the class as well as between the class and segments of the local educational system, as well as specific incentives and impediments to change…