Describes a survey that asked alumni of the Kent State University School of Library Science to rate 53 identified library science competencies needed by new graduates. Competency ratings overall and by type of librarian are presented, and the implications for curriculum design are discussed. A list of the 53 competencies rated is appended. (22…

Describes a law-related training program at Eastern Kentucky University that focuses on changing elementary student teachers' perceptions of social studies. Identifies six factors upon which the program is based. Results of this program indicate that links among all participants in the student teaching experience should be strengthened. (KO)

Presents an interdisciplinary approach to teaching history at the elementary level. Suggests that a concept-based approach could expand the role of children's literature in the elementary classroom and bring history to the center of the curriculum. Lists five points to consider when selecting literature for a history unit. (KO)

The advantages of using themes as the foundation of a language arts program for hearing-impaired students are outlined. Methods for developing new themes, recycling old themes, having children choose their study materials, and structuring classroom activities are presented. Examples from an insect theme illustrate the approach. (JDD)

Provides a set of teaching activities for a mini-unit on pirates. Urges the use of such activities as a means of stimulating student interest in determining the difference between fact and myth. Presents an interdisciplinary approach which reinforces skills ranging from geography to creative writing. (KO)

This essay explores the relationship between curriculum theory and classroom practice in order to show why a theory-practice gap exists. The idiosyncratic nature of organizations and individuals alike is cited as the weak link in control-oriented curriculum theory, while emancipation-oriented theory underestimates the need for order and control.…

A 12-step curriculum model for training inservice special education specialists who must also meet the needs of a culturally and linguistically diverse student population is proposed. The model follows the guidelines of Bloom's taxonomy for awareness, knowledge, and application. Suggestions for adaptation and implementation are also made. (MSE)

Traces the chain of events involved in the conception and development of the British National Curriculum with special attention to the place of art and design. Describes the confusion concerning disciplinary boundaries, content, and attainment targets and questions the effect the confusion will have on art and design education. (LS)

Tested three alcohol use prevention curricula, one focused on teaching social pressure resistance skills, one focused on solidifying conservative group norms, and one focused on increasing student understanding of consequences of using alcohol. Results from fifth- and seventh-grade students confirmed that each program had differential effect on…

The current discipline-based organizational structure of the college curriculum in which general education is treated as an isolated learning experience should be replaced with a more integrated curriculum. In addition, general education should take different forms in institutions with different missions. Such a curriculum redesign could help…

Focuses on an understanding of the term, "cultural awareness," and suggests the issue is clouded since the word "culture" lends itself to variable interpretation. In addition, the description of what is actually included under cultural awareness has undergone considerable changes as it appears in the different sequential…

Computer-based clinical simulations used in medical education are designed according to decisions about which elements of reality to explicitly include, which to leave to imagination, and when to intervene for educational purposes. Programs offer many options for structuring the simulations, such as varying levels of volunteered information about…

This paper reviews science curriculum issues surrounding the education of students with disabilities. The background of science education for these students is explored, and three curricula designed especially for them are examined, including a curriculum from the Biological Science Curriculum Study, the "Full Option Science System," and…

This article describes how a teacher at the Manitoba School for the Deaf applied Kaplan's Curriculum Differentiation Model for gifted and talented students to develop a thematic unit ("Patterns") for a grade 3 whole language classroom. (Author/DB)

From leading garden tours to planning a visit for Japanese teachers and participating in community theater, middle schoolers at Fort Worth's Applied Learning Academy learn academic content by working on community projects. Students' writing skills soared as they developed, edited, and field-tested brochures and trail-guide maps for their botanical…