A study examined the perspectives of 77 caregivers on how much they valued major curriculum skills areas for their children (ages 3-28) with disabilities. Parents of children with moderate, severe, and mild disabilities indicated the highest priority for self-help functional life skills, followed by community-based functional life skills.…

This article reviews research supporting the impact of differentiated instruction on both the social and academic performance of students. It proposes that the school curriculum, the general curriculum, and the individualized curriculum constitute the most critical social context for the behavior of students with emotional and behavior disorders.…

Presents a systematic process for completing a language-based curriculum analysis to address curriculum expectations that may challenge students with communication impairments. Analysis of vocabulary and the demands for comprehension, oral, and written expression within specific content areas provides a framework for collaboration between teachers…

Describes a one-year project involving the integration of expressive arts therapies into an alternative education program. Therapies such as bibliotherapy, phototherapy, poetry therapy, and studio work form the basis for the curriculum. A case study, involving a "borderline," emotionally disturbed, and artistically gifted student,…

Presents the results of a survey sent to 1700+ economics departments in four-year colleges and universities. Reveals that, in teaching intermediate microeconomics, most schools require at least one semester of calculus and use calculus techniques at least occasionally. Includes statistical tables and lists of school characteristics. (MJP)

Constructing standards for performance-based classrooms requires a more student-centered curriculum and a changing teacher role. This article presents a standards-based design strategy based on selecting a unit topic, choosing authentic culminating activities, choosing related curriculum goals, creating unit goals, developing unit assessments,…

Discusses the restructured teacher education course design of a Professional Development School program called the January Experience, in which student teachers work in an interdisciplinary team with an experienced teacher. Considers the history of the program, data on the success of the experience for teachers and students, and the Center for…

Explores a number of reasons for the limited benefits of second-language (L2) reading research and instruction interactions. Nine issues (including vocabulary development and fluency) viewed as dilemmas for L2 reading are examined. Alternative directions for research and instruction are suggested for certain issues; for other issues, the dilemmas…

Examines strategies to prevent or reduce the use of drugs by young people. Claims that young people need to be given the opportunity to examine attitudes and develop skills in making decisions about drug use. Suggests that drug education needs to start early and should take account of what young people already know about drugs. (MOK)

The University of Toledo (Ohio) honors program, with a dedicated space for honors, a separate interdisciplinary curriculum, and the opportunity to do research, assists this open admissions institution to attract and retain academically talented students. A dramatic increase in honors enrollments in the last decade has provided both opportunities…

Examines the 1997 "Handbook of the Undergraduate Curriculum," a 34-chapter "operating manual and desk reference" to the college curriculum. Assert that, while the dominant trend in higher education in the 20th century has been specialization and proliferation of programs and courses, a historic reversal of this trend is occurring, with…

A study investigating the influence of textbooks on teaching strategies in 13 schools compared teaching strategies of 14 secondary teachers using University of Chicago School Mathematics Project secondary mathematics textbooks to those of 14 teachers using other textbooks. Results indicate that textbooks convey pedagogical messages and provide…

Introduces a study that identifies which learning styles are prevalent in biology majors. Uses the findings of the study to design a microbiology course. Presents activities that address the different learning styles. Uses self-assessment and portfolios for student evaluation. Includes recommendations for instructional improvement. (Contains 19…

The American College Personnel Association's "Student Learning Imperative" is a statement of principles for college personnel working outside the classroom that is designed to focus on the core mission of undergraduate education student learning and personal development. Current use of this statement around the country is reviewed, and…

Examines the point at which children develop negative attitudes toward science and whether the adoption of the National Curriculum in England and Wales has influenced student attitudes. Results indicate that although unpopular, students do not necessarily have negative attitudes toward science. Contains 32 references. (DDR)