A focus on people--whether community members, students, historical figures, or fictional characters--and their motivations brings excitement to learning. A community's experts on everything from jazz music and Chinese tapestries to building construction can help students move inside history and other subjects. (MLH)

Discusses the outcomes of a study from Ontario that compared 29 gifted students (ages 9-14) with dyslexia to students who were either gifted (n=23) or dyslexic (n=25). Intellectual, academic, socioemotional, and creative thinking differences are described. Two different curriculum approaches for gifted children with dyslexia are provided.…

Currently, about 200 colleges and universities offer programs in jazz performance. Although many are in conservatories, the majority reside in college and university music departments. This development reflects a changing jazz infrastructure, formerly centered in local bands but increasingly based in a network of higher education institutions, and…

Reports on a method of curriculum design which allows student empowerment while simultaneously promoting essential literacy skills in a developmental-education course. States that students designed their own curriculum through the use of collaborative groups and peer decision making. Finds students continued to sharpen literacy skills throughout…

Proposes a change in the way creativity is taught in journalism design classes. Suggests pedagogical strategies that incorporate creativity research into the journalism design curriculum. Proposes a curriculum that is empirically based rather than anecdotal, and one that demystifies creativity and offers students specific techniques and practice…

Not all learning activities are worth keeping. For kids to know and understand important curriculum concepts, hands-on activities should also be "minds-on." Backward Design is a three-step curriculum model that helps teachers identify desired results, determine acceptable evidence of student learning, and plan learning experience and…

This article focuses on self-determination and quality of life in special education services and supports. It discusses essential characteristics of self-determined behavior, core quality-of-life dimensions, quality-of-life assessment and instruction, assessment, how quality of life and self-determination are related, and curricular issues in self…

This article discusses ways that sophistication can be incorporated into the curriculum to address the needs of gifted learners. Educators are urged to use questions, integrated curriculum, problem-based learning, independent and self-directed study projects, and mentor experiences to facilitate the exploration of ideas beyond the scope of the…

Highlights the topic of the interaction of students, teachers, and subject matter within structurally sound middle schools explored in this journal issue. Asserts that instruction can not be improved merely by raising standards and accountability without also providing developmentally appropriate learning activities within a supportive team…

Describes the Close Up Foundation, a nonpartisan civic organization, and its approaches to citizenship education. Indicates that the Foundation's goal is to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that encourage greater civic participation and that its approach stresses the diversity of participants, active learning, a balance of viewpoints,…

An interaction of processes (e.g., design, implementation) and elements (e.g., curriculum) form a matrix for language teaching programs. The concept of stakeholders within this program matrix is elaborated: learners, teachers, administrators, and controlling authorities. A worksheet is appended. (Contains 56 references.) (Author)

Provides a list of 25 ideas that will enrich reading and writing programs. These ideas include reading aloud, reading demonstrations, reading conferences, independent and shared reading, miscue analysis, guided reading, theme immersion, independent writing, author/illustrator studies, personal journal writing, letter writing, and publishing. (MOK)

Considers how the topic of accountability and high-stakes testing has become more critical given the heightened visibility and importance of tests and test results. Notes that trends indicate that scrutiny of public schools and assessment will increase and that students need and deserve to have the best information available regarding effective…

Discusses making integrated instruction at the middle school level more potent by focusing on key concepts rather than on topics (e.g., systems, interdependence, change). Describes differences in curricula based on concepts and topics; defines concepts and principles for integrated instruction and what makes them effective. Compares integrated…

A study of six undergraduates enrolled in a class on giftedness found significant growth in knowledge of how to differentiate curricula for able learners, an improved knowledge of programming options, and recognition that many of the approaches appropriate for gifted learners would be beneficial for all students. (Contains eight references.) (CR)