The report provides a social and historical perspective on how Finland's education system was built and emerged as a high performer in Europe by 2000. In highlighting Finland's strengths, the authors focus on: (1) Finland's long-standing commitment to supporting all of its students as the driver of strong outcomes; (2 the systems's emphasis on…

Despite efforts of both administration and faculty, the intent and the execution of new curricular initiatives are not always in alignment. To understand how the declaration of a campus-wide general education initiative was being implemented, this article combines analyses of syllabi and courses from across disciplines. In an initial review, the…

This article explores the relationship between federal and state educational policymaking and classroom reading instruction. The past 50 years of federal literacy education policy is summarized, particularly emphasizing the connections of these policies to reading curriculum and classroom assessment. The paper concludes with a discussion of the…

While the Common Core State Standards and state learning standards guide teachers in what mathematical content knowledge should be addressed as well as the processes and proficiencies necessary for developing mathematical competence, several student- and teacher-related factors may hinder student access to the general education curriculum for…

This article provides suggestions for curriculum modifications that may be necessary to meet the new Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) Standard C.9, Medical, Functional, and Environmental Implications of Disability. Specifically addressed are (a) goals and objectives for meeting the new standards, (b) suggestions for new curricular units,…

The organization and operation of a flexible, modular core dental curriculum used at the University of Florida are described, experiences with 10 years of its use are outlined, and further refinements are projected. (MSE)

Discusses the methodology employed to evaluate systematically the entire core program of study at Oregon State University's School of Business. Examines the review methodology which took into consideration topic coverage, unnecessary duplication, and resource constraints; how results of the review were used; and benefits of the review. (CT)

Describes a multidisciplinary program on population and world resources, focusing on the methodology used to evaluate the program. This methodology employs a questionnaire developed on the basis of six areas of knowledge and understanding. Sample results on students' perceptions related to core courses are provided in the form of histograms. (BC)

The Collaborative Probing Model (CPM) is a heuristic approach to writing across the disciplines that stresses discovery, process, and assessment. Faculty input will help the English department design an oral and written communication block that will be unified by a series of interdisciplinary videotaped presentations. CPM also uses flow charting…

The University of South Carolina is using assessment to bring about academic change in general education at several levels: the individual student; system-wide courses; and the entire general education program. The approach uses both qualitative and quantitative data, and has enabled faculty to collaborate both across disciplines and all eight…

As part of an effort to determine which basic philosophy courses are appropriate to a community college curriculum, 37 topics were itemized by clustering related philosophical concepts under a general concept or topic. Topics were in turn grouped under the following headings: knowledge, major schools of philosophy, logic, value theory and ethics,…

This study presents a process used to assess the general education component of the undergraduate curriculum, focusing particularly on the components of the methodology that provided the data used to suggesting changes in the program. The study was undertaken at an urban institution with an undergraduate population of 6,000, and involved analysis…

This collection of selected papers covers a variety of community-junior college topics. Evaluating the instructional staff is the first one examined. Aspects such as evaluation criteria, purposes, and obstacles; the role of effective recruitment; the need for in-service training; and student and administrative participation are covered. Included…

Describes the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics project to generate a set of "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics." Includes discussion of general themes and highlights from standards for K-4, 5-9, 9-12, and evaluation. (PK)

This self-evaluation manual assists local school systems in undertaking a comprehensive examination of their curriculum, facilities, and supporting services. The primary thrust of the Maine program, however, is to promote long-range planning for improved educational opportunities based upon reliable data and a careful assessment of available…