Presents a thematic overview of this issue, which focuses on teachers as active decision-makers who are responsible for children's learning. It is noted that teachers can become active decision makers (even with curriculum mandates) in their understanding and view of the importance of child development, curriculum, evaluation, and their continuous…

Middle level program planning involves three phases over three years: developing a written school philosophy, designing the curricular program, and implementing the plan to meet objectives. (Author/DCS)

Describes the development and rationale of a hands-on, process-oriented elementary science curriculum that emphasizes decision making, problem solving, current issues, and the human element in science and technology. (JHZ)

Presents information on textbook design and marketing practices, and their consequences for textbook content; recommends that selection committees firmly define the role of the textbook in curriculum, and adapt published materials to their school system's unique requirements. (MCG)

American educators persist in thinking of the typical American college student as being under age 22, although statistics do not support this. There are steady increases in the enrollment of nontraditional students, especially women, which will affect curriculum design. (MLW)

Describes a study of teachers as curriculum developers in a broad organizational setting. Identifies three themes that shaped the teachers' participation: their low status, isolation from other teachers, and lack of rewards. Includes tables and appendix. (MD)

The curriculum design, philosophy, and innovation of four programs in geriatric optometry are described: the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and the colleges of Optometry at the State University of New York, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and University of Houston. (MSE)

The prevalence of 4 of 16 personality styles found in two dental school first-year classes is compared with personality styles found among practicing dentists, and the implications for dental program organization and curriculum are discussed. (MSE)

Discusses advantages and disadvantages of standard high school biology and chemistry course sequences. Relates these sequences to Piagetian developmental levels as well as to David Ausubel's cognitive theory. Suggests that the sequences be reexamined in light of issues considered. (JM)

This article explores the problems, implementation, and evaluation of the Basic Stuff Series in an elementary school practicum for preservice physical education teachers. (DF)

Discusses basic skills training for refugees and the use of a work setting laboratory (WSL). A WSL provides a situation that produces a need to use the English language and communication skills that have earlier been introduced in a classroom setting and a chance to experience cultural points in action. (SED)

Discusses how to use various sources of information such as reference books, vocational education materials, job site observations, and vocational instructors to develop an occupation-specific vocational English-as-a-second-language program. Suggests how to organize this information into content areas and language requirements. (SED)

In recent research undertaken by the author a panel of middle school experts judged a number of criteria to be essential in order for a school to consider itself a true middle school. The qualities included in this article for the six middle school subsystems are derived from their valuable input. (Author/RK)

Uses a longitudinal design to explore the impact of one popular alternative to conventional courses in political education--a technique which encourages political learning by political doing--on changing black students' feelings of efficacy and cynicism and their perceptions of citizen duty. (Author/AM)

A growing numbers of teachers hold the view that they have the right to determine curricular policy in the classroom. This view, the author maintains, is not only invalid but may also be detrimental to the teaching-learning process. (Editor)