Explores the connections between language, curriculum theory, and social studies. Six language modes--descriptive, explanatory, controlling, legitimating, prescriptive, and affiliative--are defined, and their use in classrooms and social studies curricula discussed. The author suggests that this type of linguistic analysis be used as a basis for…

This is a philosophical exploration of the role of educational conventions guiding teacher behavior. Although concepts like basic skills and grade level influence teacher decisions about daily teaching activities, they can also serve as conceptual points of departure when teachers decide to innovate. (AM)

Describes a survey which found a wide gap between the actual and the ideal content in graduate nursing programs, which indicates changing roles and expectations of master's-prepared nurses. Data tables illustrate the findings. (CT)

A plausible set of concepts useful for theory, research, development, and evaluation concerned with content sequencing is explicated. These concepts provide a framework for discussing sequencing alternatives and their implications. (Author/RC)

After rejecting the extremes of complete coordination and no coordination in answering the question posed in the title, authors make the case for the middle ground. They then proceed to emphasize some points they consider essential to any educational program. (Editor/RK)

This paper begins a construction of curricular history by addressing the social orientation of Thorndike's psychology and its implications for the curriculum field. (MM)

Reports on what proved to be one of the more challenging issues raised by the feedback to principles and Standards for School Mathematics: Discussion Draft and how that feedback was used to create a more effective final document. (KHR)

Examines the ideal ecology curriculum in terms of education rationale, goals, and content. Reviews available data sources with regard to environmental education. (KHR)

A paper drafted nearly 30 years ago defines distinctions between theoretical and ideological inquiry, between curricular and noncurricular events, and between instructional and agential kinds of curricular events. (31 references) (MLF)

The holistic approach to curriculum has four essential characteristics: (1) integrating questions about means and ends; (2) using many specific inquiry modes; (3) emphasizing conceptual questions; and (4) generating certain methodological and practical needs a holistic vision to make sense. Includes seven references. (MLH)

Reports on a study that investigated curricular patterns in undergraduate music education courses and attempted to determine predictor variables for these patterns. Concludes that although a core content can be identified, data indicates inconsistencies in curricula across institutions and a lack of agreement regarding priorities in some content…

Presents an analysis of the development of the basic themes of geography (location, place, relationships, movement, and regions) by selected southwestern Pennsylvania public schools. Concludes that students in grades three through six are most often exposed to the location theme and that sixth graders have the greatest overall exposure to all five…

Claims that research findings of curriculum scholars may be harmful to the successful practice of teaching resulting from the following pathologies within the academic study of curriculum: (1) employing a generic approach toward curricular problems; (2) using meaningless educational jargon; (3) transferring metaphors from other disciplines to…

Presents results of a national survey collecting data about the current status of and trends in elective social studies programs in secondary schools. Reports that most schools offer elective programs, usually optional rather than required electives. Concludes that psychology and sociology were the most common electives. Includes tables showing…

Discusses John Dewey's concept of curriculum, as applied in his Laboratory School. Describes the planning of the school and how its curriculum evolved over time. Identifies both Dewey's belief in educational specialization and his understanding of its limits. Notes the implications of Dewey's work for today's educators. (SG)