Presents a model for the selection of instructional leaders, based on the need to provide continuity and change, as well as competence and compassion in curriculum development. Suggests that leadership can best be provided by a central curriculum council, composed of members reflecting each aspect of the continuity/change-competence/compassion…

Suggests combining the Delphi technique and the nominal group process technique to improve the collective decision-making of school curriculum and other committees. Both methods require group members to respond in writing. A five-step agenda with sample questions illustrates the approach. (MLF)

Outlines a participatory approach to social studies education called "skills-in-living." This approach defines schooling and classroom work not as preparation for life, but life itself and emphasizes the application of social science concepts and generalizations to the real life decision-making, participation, communication, interaction skills of…

By giving teachers control over improving the curriculum, an Idaho school system has created a systemwide syllabus that guides each teacher in each subject and grade. (MLF)

This report reviews the need for teaming skills in the engineering workplace and discusses why these same skills can contribute to improving the educational process. It also includes a team training workbook and a facilitator's guide that contain exercises and ideas to help develop effective teams. The report examines the evolution of teams in…

Participatory curriculum evaluation can be a powerful force for curriculum improvement in local school districts. The evaluation process contains nine steps: (1) the curriculum area needing evaluation is identified; (2) the local board of education organizes an evaluation committee reflecting school communities or neighborhoods, organizational…

Reviews focus groups as a way of determining community opinions and explains how to use them. Designing a focus group series, conducting the group, and reporting the results are described, and examples are given of focus groups in educational change. (SLD)

Four tenets should guide curricular decisions for young gifted children, aged three-six: (1) young gifted children have special learning needs; (2) curriculum should be drawn from their special interests and needs; (3) curriculum should emphasize exploration and play; and (4) children should be engaged in the curricular decision-making process.…

In the face of increasing demands for school reform, educational leaders are looking anew at the core elements of the instructional program, including the curriculum. This book serves as a guide to both understanding and practicing sound curriculum development. It lays out the steps of a quality curriculum-development process and emphasizes that…

This publication provides art educators with a plan for becoming effective advocates for school art programming and management. Chapter 1 is designed to stimulate change in programs that train art educators, to offer practical guidelines and techniques for obtaining operational support for school art programs, and to describe various marketing…

Pressure for curriculum change comes from many sources--the federal and state government and individuals at the local level. Principals are responsible for balancing these pressures to ensure curricular integrity and coherence. After reviewing various pressures, this article explores principals' options for envisioning curriculum. (MLH)

In the California Community Colleges (CCC), authority is conditionally delegated to local college districts to approve new credit courses, articulate courses with other district colleges, and approve graduation requirements. This document details policies adopted by the CCC's Academic Senate regarding the scope, mechanisms, and conditions of that…

Drawing on a study of an experimental teacher education program, the paper recommends changes that prepare new teachers to assume greater leadership responsibility, particularly for collaborative curriculum design and implementation. Teacher educators must model these practices in teacher education coursework. A pedagogy of collective action…

This handbook is designed to help instructors and advisory committees interact effectively in the Partners in Program Excellence (PIPE) system. It describes a way to keep a local advisory committee involved throughout the life of the training program. The handbook takes the instructor and the advisory committee through the 10 activities into which…

In recent years, schools have been moving away from centralized decision making, granting teachers the authority to determine course content. This book explores the concept of including students in curricular decision making. Chapter 1 explains why students at all grade levels should be involved in choosing topics of study. Educational research…