Curriculum theory and its function are defined, and its present state is discussed. A model which can be used to bring order to the field of curriculum theory is presented. (CJ)

The results of attempts to write educational fiction and to do educational research as a form of storytelling are not convincing either as research or as fiction. Recent developments in the Centre for Applied Research in Education represent the most marked departure yet from conventional education research. (JN)

Curriculum theory is defined as an integrated cluster of sets of analyses, interpretations, and understandings of curricular phenomena. Curriculum theory development processes are described and reasons for a lack of curriculum theory are presented. Four problems arising in the development of curriculum theory are examined. (JN)

Four characteristics of curriculum theory are proposed: (1) Curriculum theory focuses on content, aims, and program development in education; (2) Curriculum theory rationalizes procedures for curriculum construction; (3) Curriculum theory conceptualizes curricular phenomena; and (4) Curriculum theory attempts to explain curricular phenomena. (JN)

Describes the three sequential groupings of elements in the development of a favorable research climate: (1) elements of the foundation of the research program; (2) elements that serve to build momentum; and (3) elements that protect the program against an erosion of purpose, vitality, and creativity. (Author/SMB)

Results of a survey of 45 graduates of Pennsylvania State University's English education program suggested that they were somewhat more satisfied with their undergraduate teacher preparation program than were their Illinois counterparts of a decade ago as reported in a 1969 study. (GT)

A ten-question survey instrument was used to measure teacher acceptance of vocational agriculture core curriculum materials in Nebraska. On a scale of one (poor) to ten (excellent), all 103 teachers who responded rated the core curriculum concept as 5 or higher, with 68 teachers scoring the core concept as 8 or higher. (LRA)

A survey of health educators involved in courses on death and dying indicates the varying emphases and coverage of such courses. (JMF)

The state of Virginia approach to the development and implementation of competency-based instruction in industrial arts programs is outlined. Development of various activities is described: position paper, curriculum research project, and industrial arts catalogs research project. Figures illustrate the details of each area. (CT)

Article is a criticism of the document "Guidelines" published by the Aesthetic Education Curriculum program. The need for standardization of language and definition of concepts in aesthetic education is emphasized. (RW)

Reports an experiment which tests the hypothesis that the process of curriculum development affects the resulting curriculum. Describes developed models of curriculum. Concludes that the hypothesis cannot be rejected and that curriculum models do influence the resulting curriculum. (KO)

Arguing that curriculum research can be organized and prioritized according to reasonable criteria, this article defines "curriculum practice" and "curriculum research," explains how they relate to each other, and reviews current work in curriculum research. Curriculum research is hampered by lack of longitudinal studies and the separation of…

Finds in a national survey that introductory business communication courses in different departments differ in many aspects, yet are similar in topics covered, sequence of topics, and amount of time necessary to assure a minimum level of competence. (SR)

Explores curriculum developers' differing opinions before they design a specific curriculum; the amount of convergence of opinion caused by curriculum deliberations; and the retention of that convergence. Finds that, despite frequent discrepancies of opinion before curriculum conferences on design issues, subsequent deliberations produced a high…