The goal of Kentucky social studies education is to help students become contributing, participating, and knowledgeable citizens. To achieve this goal, students must know, understand, and apply the content and concepts of the various sub-disciplines of social studies (government and civics, history, geography, economics, culture and society). This…

Specific student attitude problems in compulsory language courses are described and solutions to them are presented, including first-day pep talks, teacher approval and positive attitudes, use of interesting topics, props, provision for student creativity, skillful use of questioning, and use of novelty. (MSE)

Using the pedagogical principles of Theodore Gross as a basis, suggests a purpose and content for general education. Stresses the importance of developing critical thinking skills, the role of intellectual discrimination in moral decision making, and the efficacy of oral-aural pedagogy, especially with urban open-admissions students. (DMM)

Some features of a British Columbia provincial evaluation of elementary core French programs are described and selected examples are used to illustrate the ways the results have been used in individual school districts for program improvements. (Author/MSE)

Social work doctoral programs increasingly embrace an interdisciplinary orientation and structure. The strengths and weaknesses of interdisciplinary doctoral education are assessed. Six alternative models of interdisciplinary programs are identified based on the content of knowledge and the structure of the program, and the relative costs and…

Based on recognized health care needs, a curriculum revision was undertaken at the College of Pharmacy at Saudi Arabia's University of Riyadh. The revised curriculum included a unified basic health sciences core program for Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Allied Medical Sciences. (Author/MLW)

The withdrawal rate of students who volunteered to take core curriculum courses in the self-directed program at the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy is studied. These students are compared to those who did not withdraw and to those who withdraw from the traditional program. Learning preference and personality inventory characteristics…

Hirsch, author of "Cultural Literacy" (1987), wishes that progressive instructional methods were carefully monitored to see whether kids are actually learning. An "anti-subject-matter" orientation suits middle-class students better than kids from less educated families. Most elementary curricula stress "tool skills"…

Discusses 11 problems hindering the implementation of the tech prep movement. Reviews a North Carolina project to develop a model approach to tech prep, highlighting required core and suggested courses at the secondary level and recommended elements at the postsecondary level. Lists components of a model tech prep system. (10 citations) (AJL)

Provides a state-by-state summary of the progress made in implementing national standards for arts curricula and assessment. Forty-four states either have adopted standards or are vigorously working on their implementation. This is an enormous improvement over last year's participation of only six states. (MJP)

Presents a case study of an interdisciplinary program for freshmen in a mid-size public university in which anthropology has been integrated into the curriculum without the advice or teaching of anthropologists. Issues concerning the teaching of anthropology in this fashion are examined. (JS)

Examines the tensions created between public demands for curriculum changes and the schools' internal needs. Reports a case study on the implementation of a core curriculum in an English comprehensive school. Focuses on the work of the curriculum committee and the role of the principal. Assesses successes and failures of the project. (RW)

Describes a third and fifth grade social studies curriculum in a New York City school where social studies is integrated into every subject area of the curriculum. The unit on the North American Indians included making musical instruments, wearing and sewing authentic clothes, and planting and cooking food in traditional ways. (GG)

A National Endowment for the Humanities report recommends a structured core undergraduate curriculum including two years of foreign language study and a year each of natural sciences, social sciences, and basic mathematics. It emphasizes Western texts but suggests two courses on other cultures. (MSE)

Summarizes eight items from the ERIC database. Materials featured cover a holistic approach to U.S. sea experience, effects of post-war changes upon individuals, the case for a core curriculum, celebration of the U.S. Constitution's Bicentennial, western civilization, the Cold War, a topical approach to history, and oral history of immigrants and…