Presents a model for developing theme-based, interdisciplinary, integrated curriculum. Model includes a theme-creation phase and an activity-refinement phase. The integrated continuum model is intended to be used by curriculum developers to facilitate the creation of powerful interdisciplinary lessons. (Author/SJR)

In 1963, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee established Freedom Schools as part of civil-rights undertakings to assist African Americans in Mississippi. Results of the curriculum conference that created the alternative summer-school program may help educators implement critical pedagogy in today's schools. Contains 61 references. (MLH)

Follows up on an article published in the Spring 1999 edition of Inquiry regarding the Work Keys system being advanced by several of the community colleges of Virginia as a means of assessing and developing occupational skills. Evaluates the Work Keys system relative to accepted curriculum design use in Virginia's business community. (VWC)

Ponders why the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" has held a place in the secondary school canon for 40 years. Describes a 10-week unit for year 10 English students that takes a critical literacy approach to the novel. Outlines a set of pre-reading activities, during reading activities and post-reading activities. (SR)

Argues that the current electronic environment forces English studies into competition and combination with extra-verbal codes and languages. Describes a specific approach to reading, composing, and teaching the problematic combination of verbal and nonverbal features in texts conceived for or in electronic environments. Describes continuities…

Indicates the importance of the interdisciplinary approach in teaching and learning. Recommends using grids in curriculum design for the integration of concepts such as art, math, and science. (YDS)

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…