The overall aim of the study was to gather evidence on effective policy reforms for broad competence development in school education, including better achievement of basic skills. The six key objectives are: Objective 1: To understand the key features of policy design and implementation of reforms for broad competence development and achievement…

A basic skills model is presented which stresses the skills of writing, reading, study, and research for elementary school pupils. The model focuses on lesson background, the purpose of the reading, independent reading, follow-up discussion, developing related skills, and extending and applying ideas. A lesson about the 1910 British expedition to…

Describes four lessons for teaching chronological skill concepts in secondary world history courses. Objectives and teaching methods are provided for each lesson. (RM)

This report examines some of the issues and practices currently receiving attention in schools and colleges related to establishing an effective means of encouraging the writing competencies of young persons. Some of the suggestions include a shift in instructional approaches as far as elective and required courses are concerned; examining and…

A selection of lesson plans dealing with mathematics, language arts, English, history, science, and elementary education are offered for teacher use. Plans include objectives, materials needed, and procedures to follow. (DF)

The back-to-basics movement will leave children ill prepared to deal with the complexities of the world. A look at man's development suggests that to improve learning we must ask the question: education for what purpose? Students learn when they understand the purpose of their actions. (Author/IRT)

This collection of practical writing activities was designed to give classroom teachers a variety of approaches, options, and techniques for teaching the essential skills in writing. The activities are organized into units according to grade level, one series of activities following each writing objective determined to be an indicator of whether a…

Two essays present a rationale for teaching and learning in the arts and consider the place of the arts in basic education. The first essay, "Art and Educational Inflation," by Jacques Barzun was the keynote address at the National Art Education Association Conference in 1978. Barzun attacks what he calls the inflationary language presently used…

This course content guide identifies the objectives that form the basis for social studies in grades four through eight in Arkansas schools. Classroom teachers, curriculum specialists, administrators, professors, and the Department of Education personnel participated in the guide's development. The information for each grade is presented into…

This collection of reading activities was designed to give classroom teachers in Kentucky a variety of approaches, options, and techniques for teaching the essential skills in reading. The activities and skills are organized into units according to grade level; one series of activities follows each reading objective determined to be an indicator…

Summarizes in an interview Sidney Hook's personal experiences as a student and teacher in the New York City school system before the era of progressive education. Reflects on the contributions and failings of progressive education. (PS)

The essential skills in the dramatic arts for K-12 students as promulgated by the State of Arizona are presented. Three goals are identified for all students: (1) create drama through artistic collaboration; (2) form aesthetic judgments; and (3) relate dramatic arts and its significant works to its social and historical context. The ways in which…

Based on the philosophy that language is central to learning, this booklet defines common curriculum goals for elementary and secondary schools that combine both general, essential learning skills and the common knowledge and skills that form a strong English language arts curriculum. The guide has two main sections: the receptive section focuses…

Career Development education is inseparable from education in general since, ultimately, education leads to vocational choice. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the school to develop a positive attitude in all students toward work and to foster the idea that all work is honorable. In Anne Arundel County, Maryland, the process of internalizing…

Argues that schools should focus on developing individuals capable of independent learning for technological/information age; basic skills can be taught at home with microcomputers; major changes are necessary in organizational structure, curriculum, instructional mode, software design, and teacher education to accommodate new educational…