Through the stories of nine teacher-innovators, factors that promote or impede grassroots change efforts in elementary school are examined, especially in terms of teachers' attempts to shift from traditional textbook, teacher-centered language and literacy curriculum to a learner-centered, whole-language approach. Identified three major sources of…

An investigation in which science/technology/society (STS) strategies were utilized for one class and traditional concept-organized strategies were utilized in another is described. Results are contrasted for students enrolled in an STS section and others in a non-STS section. Advantages of the STS program include improving process skills,…

This article describes outcome-based education (OBE) as a reform movement to develop high interest curricula, personalize learning, and develop climates favorable to student learning. Components concerning outcome identification, alignment of outcomes to processes, instructional design, and evaluation are discussed. OBE outcomes, instruction, and…

Presented is a method of reorganizing a high school geometry course to integrate coordinate geometry together with Euclidean geometry at an earlier stage in the course, thus enabling students to prove subsequent theorems from either perspective. Several examples contrasting different proofs from both perspectives are provided. (MDH)

Interviews with 14 teacher educators explore why gender issues (official guidance, teacher ideologies, teaching as women's work, and classroom survival) receive low-key treatment in initial teacher education in England and Wales. Interviews illustrate infusion of a women's studies perspective into teacher education and gender into the teacher…

A survey of approximately 60 college faculty members in several disciplines, all opposed to the Persian Gulf War, demonstrates their commitment to bringing the Gulf Crisis into the classroom democratically, not as an attempt to mobilize antiwar sentiment, but as an exercise in critical thinking. (SLD)

Discusses objects, methods of instruction, content, and accomplishments of the undergraduate major in economics. Recommends a strong introductory sequence stressing application of economic tools, rigorous intermediate theory courses, background courses in quantitative methods, and a minimum of five economics electives. Suggests synthesis through a…

Examines teachers' roles as mediators of knowledge and cognitive learning in the classroom. Cites research findings concerning teacher effectiveness, expertise, and curriculum knowledge. Urges user-friendly, explicit methods of classroom teaching as opposed to child-centered learning without mediation by the teacher. Suggests that teacher…

Discusses recommendations for the change of social studies curricula made by the National Commission on Social Studies in the Schools (NCSSS). Suggests that classroom impact of the report will depend on who likes, who opposes, and who is apathetic to the recommendations. Argues that tradition, state control of public education, and the textbook…

Describes the development of a college mathematics course for liberal arts majors designed to engage students in the mathematical process of making conjectures, testing those conjectures, and communicating the results. Presents six specific learning objectives for the course. (MDH)

Argues the integrity and authenticity of popular music should be maintained in school choral programs. Explores the nature of this challenge. Suggests examples of popular artists whose music and styles fit into school choral programs. Identifies popular music terms teachers should understand and considers aspects of teacher training. Selects…

Under the Kentucky Education Reform Act, Kentucky has redesigned curricular policies and instructional practices and has set in motion a process for restructuring teacher education by defining new standards for effective teaching and new requirements for certification. Guiding principles to prepare a teaching force able to implement school reform…

Argues that history must be included in the study of music to understand the context of the composer's era. Maintains that historical performance information, music technology, the place of music in society, music literature, and performing practices also should be included. Provides four charts of recommended resources. (CFR)

Describes the philosophy and operation of schools based on the ideas of Celestin Freinet, founder of the Ecole Moderne movement. Discusses the child-centered approach, cooperative-learning techniques, and participatory decision making that are characteristic of these schools. Points out that the curriculum frequently emphasizes contemporary social…

Asserts that economics education is a desirable goal for the elementary curriculum because elementary students can learn and understand economic concepts. Reviews four "Teaching-Learning Principles" based on empirical research about learning effectiveness. Applies these principles to economic concepts such as scarcity, cost-benefit analysis, and…