Discusses the importance of vocabulary development in literacy programs. Uses six criteria to describe the ideal vocabulary development resource with the awareness that most commercially available resources will need to be supplemented by the teacher. Reviews five instructional resources available for the intermediate and middle school grades. (MG)

Recommends four resources (including basal materials) to use when designing reading-language arts curricula for classroom or school districts. (MG)

Reviews Web sites for current events news that are appropriate for students of various ages. Discusses the possibilities for second language learning and curriculum connections and lists television sites, news magazines, classroom magazines, newspapers, and lesson plans. (LRW)

Reviews a curriculum resource unit entitled "Life Expressions: West African Art in the Collection of the Seattle Art Museum," produced by the museum and adaptable to any grade level. The unit depicts art in its cultural context and allows students to take in information in their preferred learning style. (MDM)

Discusses performing arts materials and programs in elementary and middle school curricula; notes developments of performing arts programs in certain states. Describes selected children's books with performing arts themes. (AEF)

Summarized is a report by Jane Burnette titled "Adapting Instructional Materials for Mainstreamed Students," which describes federally sponsored projects to develop publishable supplements and adaptations of popular textbooks for use with mainstreamed handicapped students. The modifications were made to elementary curricula in science…