This paper addresses the lack of a clear definition in the educational profession of such key terms as philosophies, goals, and objectives. Accordingly, a clear rationale and definition is proposed for each of these terms, along with examples illustrating their appropriate use. An educational philosophy is defined as a statement of motivating…

This handbook is designed to provide uniform criteria and a support system to help individuals involved in curriculum-related functions within a school system to implement the Wisconsin Competency Based Occupational Curriculum Data System (WisCom). (The WisCom system is a complete support system for curriculum development and management that…

The terms goals, objectives, and functions are differentiated and classified based on the particular meanings each term represents in the field of education. The importance of understanding the distinctions is emphasized. (EC)

Traces the elusive search for a social studies definition since 1916. Explains debate over social studies as social science or as selective use of knowledge to promote citizenship. Attributes social studies' indeterminate focus to its objective of reflecting social reality. Suggests definition should recognize social studies as a field of applied…

Discusses the state of computer use in classrooms and cites several problems. The consideration of computers as "toys," elitist attitudes, administrator/teacher/parent demands, computer manufacture pressure, and lack of a clear definition of computer literacy are addressed. Suggestions for improvement are included. (DH)

In January, 1991, the Higher Education Coordinating Board established a Policy on Minority Participation and Diversity for the public postsecondary education system in the State of Washington. Included in this policy were short- and long-term goals for increasing participation and success by people of color and cultural diversity. Five areas are…

Defines zero-based budgeting, compares it to traditional budgeting, and discusses five steps of a zero-base budget model: determining organization's goals and refining them into objectives; listing activities to achieve objectives in decision packages; evaluating decision packages; ranking packages by order of importance; and funding decision…

Critiques James Barth, Robert Barr, and Sam Shermis' three social studies traditions theory and National Commission on Social Studies task force report. Argues first falsely splits essential social studies components; second creates a curricular hodgepodge. Highlights need to consider values as both affective and cognitive and to create…

A list of successful art activities that teachers had used with special education children were presented. Additionally, discussion groups reported on defining the terms associated with art therapy and the goals of art education. Recommendations for continued program meetings on the finer issues of special education were included. (RK)

Several issues raised in the article by Drash et al. are discussed: the danger that total habilitation could become a dominant goal; the lack of definition of "new technology"; the limited utility of the new term, "total habilitation"; and the lack of criteria for total habilitation. (KM)

The relationship of the social sciences to the social studies is traced and explained. This remains an area of much confusion; further study will be required for current disputes to be resolved. (RM)

Illustrates activities which social studies teachers can use to integrate environmental concepts into existing curricula. Activities include: The Web of Life, designed to develop student understanding of energy, producers, consumers, decomposers, and raw materials; and Population and Resources, based on identifying effects of resource depletion on…

Although behavioral objectives communicate instructional intent, they lack the detail needed to make decisions about design, intervention, and development. Proposes "proformas" as a more complete and accurate way of defining performance. Describes the "language of work" model, discusses its elements: input, conditions, process,…

Social studies teachers have long accepted critical thinking as an important and desirable outcome of instruction. However, they have accepted critical thinking in principle without bothering to define the term precisely or to do much by way of direct instruction to see that this goal is achieved. (Author/RM)

Developing an accurate, commonly accepted definition of critical thinking is absolutely essential. This article proposes and discusses such a definition. Critical thinking is defined as the process of determining the authenticity, accuracy, and worth of information or knowledge claims. It consists of a number of discrete skills. (RM)