Curriculum theories are necessary to help researchers and practitioners deal with different purposes, forms, and functions. Theories should be logical; consider curriculum sources, systems, technical aspects, planning levels; incorporate subject matter and student experiences; help practitioners use whatever is being theorized. (MLH)

The author briefly presents and discusses five tables showing national trends in teacher salaries over the 10 years from 1969-80 and projections for the next 10 years. Indicates that teachers' average annual salaries are now growing more slowly than the inflation rate.

Young students have little understanding of grades. This article examines grading systems and standards and presents grading guidelines, beginning with grade five. Teachers should explain grades to students; base grades on a predetermined set of standards and on students' progress, attitudes, and relative class standing; consider various sources;…

Discussed are evolving concepts of accountability in the United States. The majority of states have taken the position that accountability should be mandatory, leaving the specifics to the discretion of local states. Problems in accountability are also examined. (RM)

Examines population shifts in cities and adjacent suburban areas by region--the Northeast and Midwest and the South and West--and discusses the implications of these shifts for educators. (FL)

Details the most important curriculum movements--which can be generally classified under the two headings of subject-centered curriculum and student-centered curriculum--their adherents, and their rationales. (Author/WD)

Discusses the future of schools in the United States in the face of declining enrollments. Considers the impact of this trend on such things as class size, building modernization and construction, and energy usage. (FL)

The effectiveness of a teacher depends on students' social, economic, cognitive, psychological characteristics; grade level; and subject area. Failure to recognize these variables can distort research findings and recommended methods for good teaching. (Author/MD)

Presents a brief overview of the nine articles which make up this special issue on teacher effectiveness. Asserts that few activities are as crucial in schooling as teaching, and research toward its understanding must continue. (KH)

Research on teacher effectiveness falls into two groups: research on teacher styles and research on teacher competencies. Both neglect the humanistic aspects of teaching. Offers a research overview to assess how well a school system is fulfilling its central mission of successful teaching and learning. (nine references) (MLF)

Examines four varieties of curriculum irrelevance, including curricula that are fixed, antiseptic, trivial, and right answer-oriented. Suggests that educators need to stress curricular context and concern themselves more with process and less with products. Includes 10 references. (MLH)

To help educators design a balanced curriculum giving students opportunities to master knowledge and use it appropriately, this article explains curriculum design components and framework and provides advice concerning selecting the design, exploring sources, working with the committee, and developing guiding statements. Includes eight references.…

Attempts to clarify the relationship of curriculum, instruction, and supervision roles for administrators confronted by pressing managerial, community, and fiscal responsibilities. All three components are necessary and should have equal weight in the decision-making process. Nineteen references are included. (MLH)

Reports the results of a nationwide survey of the organization of school systems with 50,000 or more students. The study examined whether each system was centralized or decentralized and, if decentralized, the structure of the decentralization, the reasons the district is decentralized, and the extent of community participation. (IRT)

All major textbook companies conform to preferences of larger educational markets (California, Illinois, New York, Texas, and Florida) and exercise self-censorship to appease dissenting factions and avoid alienating pressure groups. Recent censorship controversies have involved sanctity of family, criticism of free enterprise system,…