This work reviews curricular designs, providing educators a practical structure for making curricular decisions. Chapter 1, "Making Change in a Changing World," argues that an appreciation of the role of pressure groups and partnerships is essential to a quality education plan. Chapter 2, "Concept-Based Curriculum," explores the history of the concept-based curriculum, and offers numerous evaluative tools. Chapter 3, "State Academic Standards and Local Curriculum Frameworks," explains the importance of adopting a tripartite model of curriculum design. Chapter 4, "Designing Interdisciplinary, Integrated Curricula," presents a detailed model for content integration. Chapter 5, "Concept-Based Units: Samples and Questions," provides diagrams, guiding questions, and a review of relevant models. Chapter 6, "Assessing and Reporting Student Progress," reviews the form and function of alternative assessment tools. Chapter 7, "Concept-Based Instruction," suggests instructional strategies and activities relating to concepts, principles, and transferable ideas. Chapter 8, "Stirring the Head, Heart, and Soul: Creating a Love of Learning," stresses the importance of teacher-student engagement. (Contains a glossary, 56 references, and a 10-page index.) (TEJ)