Usually considered a pedagogical plan, the term "curriculum" is linked with decisions regarding educational content and often with related instructional strategies. However, a curriculum for young children embodies more than the "what" and the "how" of children's learning experiences in early childhood settings. Based…

The most common configuration for the middle level is for grades 6-8 to be housed together. Although not a common configuration, there are some ninth grade only campuses sprinkled throughout the United States. Many of these schools were designed to address overcrowding issues either at the middle or high school while some were designed to help…

Using the pedagogical principles of Theodore Gross as a basis, suggests a purpose and content for general education. Stresses the importance of developing critical thinking skills, the role of intellectual discrimination in moral decision making, and the efficacy of oral-aural pedagogy, especially with urban open-admissions students. (DMM)

Discusses the role of Mexican immigration and Mexican-origin worker communities in the United States economic system; census data showing the unequal status and education of Mexican origin students; and methods to implement educational principles. Available from Centro de Publicaciones, Department of Chicano Studies, California State University,…

This comparative study of Indian and contemporary Western views on moral education reveals that the Indian view differs in its conception, objectives, content and methodology, and the interpretation of the role of the teacher. "Doing," rather than "knowing," feeling, rather than reason, play the central role. (Author/SJL)

Examines the development of liberal education throughout the Great Plains region of Canada and the United States during the 1930s and 1940s. Argues that western Canadian universities were more influenced by "general education" experiments and liberal-professional programs initiated at U.S. universities than by the 19th-century liberal…

Demonstrates the similarities between the social studies curricula of Quebec and other Canadian provinces. Examines these in the context of criticisms that Quebec's curricula is divisive and chauvinistic. Refutes these charges and maintains that Quebec's emphasis on local history is no greater than that of other districts. (MJP)

Presents the responses to the National Standards for Arts Education from four arts education associations. The associations represented are the National Dance Association, Music Educators National Conference, American Alliance for Theater and Education, and the National Art Education Association. Discusses applications and limitations of the…

Participants who attended three national alternative education conferences in Japan, Indiana, and Israel report on their experiences at the conferences and issues addressed, including freedom versus license, responsibility to poor children, funding for alternative education programs, democratic education, government role, and varying and…

Criticizes the adoption of business-originated Total Quality Management principles into school administration. Contrasts this with the establishment of learning communities, an approach that emphasizes engendering commitments in individuals as opposed to manipulation or control. Further outlines this approach and describes several successful…

This article presents a multi-step process and multi-level model to promote access to the general curriculum for students with mental retardation. It discusses the incorporation of the following universal design principles: equitable use, flexible use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error and low physical and…

Describes the success of the Escalante Math Program in East Los Angeles in teaching mathematics to poor minority students. Fundamental principles of the program include the following: (1) accountability; (2) hard work; (3) demand; (4) love; (5) parental involvement; (6) respect and values; (7) nutrition; and (8) drug use prevention. Discusses…

Examines what the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) can learn about educational policy from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Lists similarities and differences between the two agencies' commitment and approach to education. Discusses the role of the Department of Education and makes policy recommendations for the NEA. (KM)

The project described in this article, the Middle Grades Project, is based on a collaborative partnership between a university school of education and three middle grades schools. The project reflects a shift in the conceptual perspective of middle grades schooling. The three-step school improvement plan,…

Maintains that teachers have a responsibility to educate themselves and their students about the AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) virus and the use of various publications and in-service teacher training programs as means of preventing the spread of AIDS. (BB)