This article provides a pragmatic approach to the development of theme units in a secondary English program for verbally talented students. The article provides a rationale for theme-based teaching, describes the structure of a thematic unit, and provides guidance on teacher development of thematic units. A unit on "losses/gains" is presented as…

A career-life-planning model for high school students has four components: (1) guidance and counseling; (2) community bridging (conflict resolution, mock job interviews); (3) interdisciplinary instruction; and (4) portfolios that include a four-year educational plan, career exploration data from the computerized Guidance Information System,…

Collaboration between professions or disciplines or across distances is discussed. A definition of collaboration is offered, processes and factors making collaboration difficult are identified, and two features of networked communication (access equalization and social equalization) that are important to collaboration are examined. (Author/MSE)

The intensive drive to promote national standards and assessments has gathered support from unproven connections between U.S. economic success and the nature of learning in schools. Now that teachers are being challenged to produce a bottom-up sea-change in their own classrooms, Uncle Sam's presence in the back of the room may be a growing problem…

Discusses how the use of organizing themes can help to convey to students a sense of internal continuity within the discipline of biology and at the same time emphasize to them that viewing the study of biology as merely applied chemistry and physics is inaccurate and overly simplistic. (ZWH)

Argues that English teachers must rediscover and subsequently utilize an interdisciplinary approach to reform the schools. Explores two implications for interdisciplinary study growing from a holistic, process-centered approach to English studies. Suggests that English should become the leader in an interdisciplinary future. (HB)

Briefly reviews the development of core curricula and interdisciplinary teaming in junior high/middle schools from the mid-1950s to the present. A recent study of 15,000 Maine eighth graders shows that schools using the middle-school, interdisciplinary approach outscored their junior high school peers enrolled in single-discipline subjects by 58…

Describes a high school art teacher's efforts to involve the school staff in cross-curricular instruction. After discussing how the teacher initiated the project, the article examines her research, and how she created and implemented a cross-curricular lesson plan. The appendix provides a sample lesson plan. (SM)

This article provides an overview of the University of Chicago (Illinois), discussing its educational philosophy, numerous Nobel Laureates, free-market economic theory, midwestern philosophy, support for interdisciplinary research, high quality faculty, renowned department of sociology, and current unprecedented hiring freeze. (DB)

Recent population migrations, disappearing domestic/foreign affairs boundaries, and massive economic, scientific, and technological changes are forcing the U.S. to redefine its isolationist position and adopt a more collaborative stance. To help children see through others' eyes, minds, and hearts, some general global education principles are…

A pilot program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City included creation of a part-time administrative position to enhance cooperative ventures between the university and the pharmaceutical industry through placement of clinical trials among academic units with interdisciplinary research programs in the health sciences. Sponsored funding levels…

Four elementary teachers describe how they support an interdisciplinary curriculum using integrated units. One builds tall towers of spaghetti. Another touches on all subjects using baseball card games. The third turns the playground into an archeological dig. The last sails the ocean along with the Pilgrims. (SM)

Although schools are trying to incorporate multiple cultures and diverse backgrounds, even multicultural education is failing to engage students. The biggest problem is not bilingual children but monocultural teachers. Euro-American culture differs from other world cultures by stressing extroversion, analytical thought, and discrete disciplines.…

A survey of current trends in teaching English to speakers of other languages identifies four themes involving: learner motivation and empowerment; an expanding international range of language policy issues; content-centered and task-based curricula and emphasis on peace and environmental education; and cooperative, learner-centered teaching. (42…

Describes how the geology department of Bucknell University integrated its Senior Program with Bucknell's writing program. The program stresses the importance of the following: (1) teaching appropriate writing skills and style; (2) providing clearly articulated writing assignments; (3) writing multiple drafts; (4) using the peer-review method; and…