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…

The objective of the study was to determine whether Competency-Based Testing (CBT) schools altered their curriculum differently than Non-Competency-Based Testing schools (NCBT), and, if so, what selected factors were identified as contributing to the differences among the responses secondary schools made to CBT. The data from 410 member high…

Argues that Wisconsin's normal schools presented a less restrictive and more coeducational environment than more prestigious universities. Utilizing primary and archival sources discovers that the normal schools achieved a remarkable degree of gender equity in their treatment of male and female students. (MJP)

This research examined the effects of belief-based messages on the intentions of ninth and tenth grade, Hispanic-American students to enroll in their first elective science course at the pre-college level, chemistry. The design of the study was guided by the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1989) and the Elaboration Likelihood Model of…

Reports on a study to determine if female high school students scored as high as male high school students on New York State Regents examinations in mathematics. Results indicated that if female students had an instructional history similar to that of male students they performed as well. (PK)

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)

Reports on a study of the differences in economics education between private and public schools. Finds that public school students are less likely to be exposed to economic concepts prior to high school economics courses than private school students. (CFR)

Examines the required and elective geography courses, staffing, textbooks, and methodology used in Dutch secondary school geography instruction. Shows that geography enjoys a high status, that Dutch textbooks tend to apply major geographic themes to a specific regional setting, and that active learning plays a prominent role. (MJP)

The U.S. public high school should return to a core curriculum which is defined as a broad consensus on the basic information and skills to which most young students should have been exposed by the time they graduate from high school. The duty of educators is to teach the skills and general information that enable educated persons to continue…

Reviews recent literature concerning subject choice and curriculum planning. Charts a centrist course between classical humanist ideology and radical reform that would place all power in the hands of students. Maintains that young people need a balanced mix of guidance and freedom. (MJP)

In 1976 Richard Gross surveyed state social studies specialists and local supervisors to determine the status of the social studies. To determine whether the generalizations from his study are still applicable today, a questionnaire was sent to Council of State Social Studies Specialists. Results of the two studies are compared. (RM)