The issues and challenges facing those who administer the general instruction programs in colleges and universities represent a pattern of frequent change. The highly formal programs of uniforms and conformance of past years and the individualized, adventure type programs that are popular today represent some of the changes in general instruction…

Describes the use of ALSCAL, a computer program for multidimensional scaling, to map enrollment in 49 electives at Drexel University's College of Information Studies during two time periods. The results for this department are presented, and the explanatory power of this evaluation technique for any curriculum is discussed. (6 references) (CLB)

Presents results of a study using a switching regression model to correct for biases in assessing the gain in economic knowledge from high school economic courses. Explains that regressors used included geometry, civics, female, African-American, college, twelfth, and dummy variables. Reports substantial differences between students who elect…

Describes an undergraduate course in chemical engineering that details the technology of immobilized enzymes and cells. Includes the course rationale and purpose; the course outline when offered as an engineering elective in the biotechnology area; and discussion of appropriate text, selected real-world applications, and laboratory presentations.…

The appearance of a graduation requirement in the arts has focused attention on public school systems to provide comprehensive music education coursework. As a result, this report discusses trends in secondary music education course requirements, suggests strategies for implementing a meaningful music curriculum, cites obstacles to expanding music…

Ways to accommodate vocational electives in light of increased graduation requirements include eliminating early dismissal, offering earlier and later courses, offering required courses twice a day, minimizing schedule conflicts, allowing independent study, encouraging vocational/academic department cooperation, spreading graduation requirements…

This paper addresses the issue of how one might go about providing a reasonable answer to the question of how many students will enroll in a new academic program at a university and applies the principles to the process of estimating demand for a new collegiate aviation program. A combination of approaches is suggested, including the following:…

The traditional system of letter grades discourages college-bound students from taking difficult courses. Many colleges look closely at an applicant's grade point average (GPA). When a student's GPA is computed, a grade from an easy course carries as much weight as a grade from a difficult course. Since a student can achieve a higher grade with…

Designed for high school teachers and administrators, this compilation of two journal articles, a bibliography, and a course list describes how one school took two days between semesters, abandoned regular schedules, and offered special minicourses suited to the talents of the staff and community. Minicourses are seen as a way to broaden horizons,…

During the early decades of social science in the United States, the strong applied emphasis in sociology and the mutual interest of sociology and social work in social reform made these disciplines nearly indistinguishable. The dissolution in 1909 of the American Social Science Association began a period of divergence between the two disciplines…

Discusses the history and role of differentiated secondary education in the former Soviet Union. Outlines the responsibilities of differentiated instruction. Offers suggestions for continuing this type of education in the future. (SG)

Presents a comprehensive plan for restructuring the intermediate grade curriculum. Emphasizes hands-on training, extracurricular activities, and vocational and physical education. Includes eight tables detailing weekly time allotted for core and elective courses throughout the grades. Emphasizes the need for active, vigorous young people to lead…

This guide provides information for school administrators and directors of commercial driver training schools about conducting driver education courses in Idaho. The first part of the guide, which applies to both public schools and commercial schools, covers the following areas: administration, sample letters and forms, instructional time…

This study examined whether students at the Northeast Missouri State University felt the present Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Study requirements allowed enough freedom in choosing classes, and how students would respond to more free electives. Responses of 508 students were obtained to a questionnaire addressing the following areas: (1) how…

Reported are the results of a 1987 survey of U.S. chemical engineering departments on health and safety. Some details of what is being done at the University of Alabama are provided. A syllabus and reading resources for a survey course on safety, health, environmental, and ethical issues are included. (MVL)