The intent of this book is to strengthen the professional role teachers play in curriculum planning and development, a process central to teacher activity and responsibility. Contextual narratives, document analysis, the use of metaphor, personal rules, principles, beliefs, images, and philosophy are all described for use in hands-on exercises.…

This paper summarizes the results of the empirical evaluation of the Outward Bound component of the 1987 Career Beginnings Program. Career Beginnings is a national, privately funded program designed to increase the probability that minority high school youth will either attend college or find good jobs following high school graduation. The Outward…

A study constructed a detailed description of students' perceptions of the transition to adulthood and the decision-making strategies used as they approached high school graduation. A Post-High School Plans Survey was administered to 186 seniors in Northern California; a subsample of 32 students was interviewed to assess identity, exploitation,…

Many studies in higher education have focused on the development of late adolescent and adult personality change on the assumption that such change was brought about by the college experience. The focus of this study is on the value changes that occur during college years and the changes that endure beyond college. Group and individual values…

A three credit undergraduate course, offered through a University of Texas Gifted and Talented Program to qualified high school students, used material objects in a museum to promote visual thinking. Fourteen students were enrolled in the course, which included four interacting units of study: (1) using the operations and strategies of visual…

The purpose of this paper is to examine the theories and research concerning social comparison and goal setting processes in education and to discuss implications for educational practice and future research. Social comparison and goal setting are important contextual influences on children's task motivation, self-evaluations of capability, and…

The supplement describes instructional alternatives for a curriculum module addressing stress reduction for rural teachers of special education. Designed to help teach the personal survival and development skills that special education teachers need to live and work in rural communities, the module helps teachers understand stress and its…

Changes were studied in the health lifestyle of university personnel involved in a program of health promotion and wellness between 1982 and 1988. Data were collected via a survey at the University of Montevallo in Alabama. Questions were asked on personal characteristics (e.g. gender, age, height, and marital status), professional characteristics…

This presentation explores the needs of young children in terms of new knowledge that illuminates the principles by which children's needs and rights can be gauged and described. These principles remain relatively unchanging at various developmental periods and in differing social-historical-cultural and ethnic contexts. After a brief…

This study indicates several areas in which the contributions of Piaget, Dewey, and Vygotsky appear to substantiate Montessori theory and practice. Historical information concerning the emergence and accessibility of developmental and educational theory is also provided. The work identifies similarities and differences in the theorists' views of…

This report provides background information about latchkey children. In addition, the report provides general information concerning school-age programs and some of the more readily available resources in North America. Among the issues considered are those which seem to be generating the most concern. These include staffing, qualifications,…

A description is presented of a three-year pilot project conducted within the Primary-Junior Program at the Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Canada. The theoretical rationale upon which this alternative approach is based is outlined, and a description is given of the implementation of the approach. A report is also given of some…

This monograph presents an analysis of the central characteristics of self-image held by a group of graduates during their experience as primary school teachers in England, and the ways that they sought to preserve their sense of identity during their first decade of work. Data were gathered from personal accounts of 99 teachers through in-depth…

Professional life planning means taking a self-directed, systematic approach to professional renewal. To engage in professional life planning (or self-directed professional development) is to take greater control of one's life. Four major actions comprise the essence of professional life planning; they are self-assessment of professional strengths…

The social studies curriculum for kindergarten in Manitoba, Canada is presented in this guide. The focus of this guide is exploring my world. Some objectives are to explore: (1) the many facets of self; (2) the characteristics, competencies, experiences, and attitudes that kindergartners have in common with others; and (3) the ways they and others…