The state of Kentucky has embarked upon a large scale systems change effort to integrate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, including use of digital curriculum and computerized reading supports to improve overall student achievement. A major component of this initiative is the use of Read & Write Gold. As higher expectations are…

Reviews the extent to which states have developed comprehensive environmental education programs. Discusses environmental education curriculum requirements, guidelines/frameworks, and curriculum guides; teacher training; environmental education specialists and other staff positions within state agencies; administrative, policy-generating, and…

This paper summarizes information from interviews with four states regarding their Universal Design for Learning (UDL) initiatives, i.e., state or regional level efforts to promote the principles and practices of UDL via professional development or the production and/or dissemination of universally designed instructional materials. Discussion of…

The paper provides information about a survey designed to ascertain which states require a state studies course and the evaluation of these courses. Forty-three of 46 states affiliated with the Council of State Social Studies Specialists responded to questions asking: (1) if their state required state studies in its school curriculum; (2) if there…

State policies to encourage elementary teachers to teach for understanding and thinking are more comprehensive in California than in any other state. Based on in-depth interviews with eight curriculum and policy experts and an analysis of over 100 documents, this report describes efforts being advanced across six policy fronts: (1) curriculum…

The volume contains 19 papers from the Fourth Annual Northern Virginia Conference on Gifted/Talented Education. Included are the following titles and authors: "A Statement on the National Commitment to Gifted Education" (R. Stafford); "Beyond Awareness into Practice" (F. Williams); "Fostering Independence and Creativity" (D. Treffinger); "Parents…

In a study designed to determine the impact of state curriculum initiatives on curriculum framework, student assessment, and textbook adoption in the science curriculum, researchers interviewed state education agency staff, completed four case studies in four districts, and surveyed 100 school districts at random in each of the three diverse…

The West Virginia music study program is a public school K-12 curriculum sequence. This program is divided into the four principal areas of: (1) general classroom music; (2) string instrumental music; (3) wind and percussion instrumental music; and (4) choral music. The general classroom music program is an early and middle childhood sequence of…

Addresses the problem of how schools should cut their curricula to make room for state-mandated additions, such as AIDS education. Recommends state guidelines for allocating time and assessing the effect that teaching new curricular content will have on an existing curriculum. (TE)

This handbook has been prepared to assist administrators, curriculum specialists, and teachers in local school districts and boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) in the state of New York in developing curriculum, but it could be used by local education agencies in any state. The introduction describes the role of the state and of…

Discusses the teaching of history and social studies in Connecticut. Addresses curricular and teacher certification requirements, continuing education units (CEUs), and mastery testing. Identifies problems and suggests possible alternatives for evaluating tenth grade students' social studies knowledge. Briefly describes the role of the Connecticut…

The Basic Skills Testing program in Louisiana was implemented due to a legislative mandate for minimum competency testing. The program began in grade two, adding a grade each year through grade twelve. Basic Skills Tests are being phased in to replace State Assessment. State Assessment will continue in the areas of science, social studies, and…

The North Carolina Environmental Education Plan evolved from the ideas and suggestions of hundreds of people across North Carolina with over 1,300 individuals, businesses, organizations, and government agencies participating in the process. The first section of this document, Principles and Concepts of Environmental Education, outlines the…

Topics covered include the definition of giftedness, screening and identification procedures, goals and objectives of programming for the gifted, differentiating the curriculum, preparing the staff, and allocating resources. Ten recommendations are listed including the need for school districts to establish districtwide committees to develop…

While states have developed the infrastructure to support effective education programs on Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), inadequacies exist in the content of curricula, guidelines, and program design. Many state programs fail to provide children with all the information they need in order to avoid and…