Traces the development of New American Schools, a nonprofit organization created in 1991 to apply a research and development approach to the design and dissemination of models of whole-school reform. (PKP)

Details study of the decision-making process of four middle school teachers who first decided to use integrative approaches to plan their curriculum and later stopped or reduced their use of curriculum integration in favor of more traditional curriculum planning. Considers the burden of the time it takes to plan, implement, assess, and defend…

Investigated factors that motivate students to learn by interviewing six self-described underachieving middle school students and their teachers. Developed a theory for meaningful, engaged learning involving four key components: learning environment, experience, motivation, and meaning making. (JPB)

Compares two models for design--systems and user-centered--each of which embodies different values. Argues that models of technology design can be applied to the development of Web-based courses and that various forms of user-centered design embody the values most compatible with writing instruction. Presents strategies for adopting a…

Discusses the two major forms of curriculum design in Australian medical schools: the innovative approach and the traditional approach. The innovative medical school has a problem-based, student-centered community orientation and has been the curriculum of choice in the newer medical schools for meeting future challenges in medical education. The…

Suggests English teachers might draw from authors such as Carl Sagan, Arthur C. Clarke, Mary Shelly and others: (1) to knock down the walls that separate science and literature; (2) to show their interrelationship; and (3) to instill enthusiasm for the study of both. (NH)

Describes the nature, implementation, and value of a spiral curriculum in which topics of study are revisited with each successive encounter building on the previous one. (Contains 12 references.) (WRM)

This article discusses conceptual models and previous research that illuminate the complex and promising relationship between career-oriented schooling and self-determination for students with disabilities, and all students. The benefits of career-oriented schooling are highlighted, including effects on academic achievement, engagement,…

This article describes the development of an inner-city public school for highly gifted and high achieving students in northeast Denver. It discusses deciding on the school's design, using block schedules to provide the time needed to study integrated units, and the need to help students initially with basic skills. (Contains one reference.) (CR)

This article discusses home schooling for gifted children and describes the most common teaching strategies or pedagogical approaches that home schoolers have successfully used, including: classical, lifestyle of learning, schooling at home, structured/mastery learning, unit studies, unschooling, worldview, and curriculum-based. The benefits of…

Considers how two preservice students' histories as readers and students of literature intersected with their secondary-school literature course and how their developing stances on teaching literature changed as they moved through their preservice teaching. Illustrates the impact of a secondary literature course and preservice teaching on…

The Israel Arts and Science Academy for gifted secondary students is described. The goal of the academy is to graduate learners who will apply their gifts to the betterment of the human condition. The Greek ideal of the unity of truth, beauty, and goodness serves as the central curricular force. (Contains three references.) (Author/CR)

This commentary discusses publication of QCA guidelines on developing the curriculum for pupils with learning difficulties. It links the guidelines to the recent review of the National Curriculum and identifies some of the contributions these guidelines can make to planning, teaching, and assessment. Challenges for practice and research are…

This article responds to a commentary (Colwill, Peacey) that discusses publication of QCA guidelines on developing the curriculum for pupils with learning difficulties. While acknowledging that the guidelines will lead to an evolution of good practice, it urges staff to continue to appreciate and value their own development work. (Contains six…

The development and promotion of the "expanding communities" curriculum design model for teaching elementary school social studies was a crucial episode in the history of social studies. This article profiles how the model developed in the mind of its most effective promoter, Paul Robert Hanna. Paul Hanna understood early in his career the…