The absence of social studies curriculum is a problem because it undermines the essential purposes of schooling: to prepare participatory, contributing members of a democratic society. In this article, we argue that integrating the literacy and social studies curricula is one meaningful way to support such civic-minded social studies instruction…

This study was conducted in a large urban school district. Fifty-nine elementary schools, designated as Fine Arts Schools by the district, were organized as a Fine Arts School Network. The school district partnered with an external arts organization to deliver research-based, consistent and collaborative professional development to art, music,…

Although three types of foreign language program exist in elementary schools (immersion, partial immersion, and core courses), there is no conclusive evidence as to what length of instruction time results in greater student achievement. A logical approach to foreign language teaching at the elementary level is one that integrates foreign language…

Discusses the differences between theme units and theme immersion (TI). Unlike traditional, predetermined theme units, TI has teachers and their students jointly plan the investigation of a topic or question, using student-centered lines of inquiry and methodology. Also discusses several resources that teachers can use to learn more about TI. (MDM)

Compares the California Framework for History-Social Science Education with the California Framework for English-Language Arts. Depicts the two frameworks and shows how teachers can implement both through interdisciplinary applications. Suggests how the two subject areas can be integrated. (LS)

Results of a study concerning 21 children undergoing pediatric-based assessment indicate that the majority of recommendations evolving from the combined, interdisciplinary assessment are implemented and approved by parents and school personnel. Study results support pediatric-based assessments for school problems and demonstrate the advantages of…

A K-6 physical education/classroom program is presented which is designed to promote cardiovascular fitness and respiratory efficiency along with physical, mental, emotional, and social health. It is pointed out that this program costs little, is appropriate for all ages, is simple to put into effect, can be interdisciplinary, and can be extended…

A study that analyzed curricular structures of three Israeli schools found four components--basic skills subjects, separate subjects, integrative topics, and enrichment programs--each characterized by a different profile of curriculum features. Israel is moving to decentralize curriculum. Enabling conditions include adequate time and resource…

The innovative CLASS professional development school initiative seeks to redesign teacher education through effective collaboration to better meet the needs of a changing pre-service student population. Non-traditional, often part-time students are entering undergraduate pre-service education programs across North America and in other parts of the…

A practicum was designed to develop training that would increase teachers' understanding of an integrated curriculum and how to plan for implementation. Subjects were 23 teachers at a K-5 elementary school. Training was developed to provide a common knowledge base of an integrated curriculum, productive collaboration and planning, and…

This paper explores the ways diverse elementary school students may be taught to understand and respond constructively to social and interpersonal conflict, by studying the implemented curriculum in one public elementary classroom. In this urban Canadian classroom, well over half of the 33 students were recent immigrants with diverse language and…

Development and implementation of an interdisciplinary elementary and early childhood teacher education program at Baruch College (New York) was characterized by many internal and external tensions and pressures. One of the important factors which had to be considered was the ethnic diversity of both the college's and the city's student…

Describes a Michigan City, Indiana initiative called "Kaleidoscope," a multilayered school improvement plan encompassing four goals: (1) to infuse arts into language arts and math curricula; (2) to foster collaborations between classroom teachers, arts specialists, and the community; (3) to build greater multicultural connections and…