If a "curriculum" -- a set of instructional materials intended as a comprehensive course of study for a particular subject and grade level -- is well-aligned with state standards, it can help teachers deliver instruction that leads to students' mastery of those standards. However, most research suggests that curricula, in themselves, are…

The nation's leaders say that a 21st-century education must restore the competitive edge and prepare students for success in the marketplace; they affirm that the material wealth of a 21st-century nation is built upon the intellectual capital of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). But teachers need to remember this: A 21st-century…

This study compares and contrasts the selection and distribution of literary texts in the English programs of two diverse secondary schools, one in Massachusetts, USA, the other in Ontario, Canada. Analysis of the departments' curriculum documents, state/provincial curriculum policies, and teacher interviews indicated that at both schools,…

This article explores how racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity are addressed in secondary English curriculum policy in Massachusetts, U.S.A. Data are analyzed through theories of the sociology of knowledge and the myth of the United States melting pot. Analysis revealed that curriculum policy privileged Eurocentric literature and the English…

The Government is committed to ensuring that the new National Curriculum compares favourably with the curricula in the highest performing jurisdictions, and sets rigorous requirements for pupil attainment which measure up to the highest standards set internationally. The Government is also committed to slimming the National Curriculum so that it…

The State-specific summary report serves as an assessment of Massachusetts' Year 1 Race to the Top implementation, highlighting successes and accomplishments, identifying challenges, and providing lessons learned from implementation to date. Massachusetts' Year 1 accomplishments include: capacity building within its Department of Elementary and…

This paper describes Massachusetts' progress in implementing a comprehensive and coherent approach to education reform from the time of application through June 30, 2011. In particular, it highlights key accomplishments over the reporting period in the four reform areas: standards and assessments, data systems to support instruction, great…

Discusses English program of multiple electives in a small high school; a paper presented at annual convention of National Council of Teachers of English (59th, Washington, D.C., November 28, 1969). (SW)

THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE WAS TO TEST THE HYPOTHESIS THAT WRITING PROFICIENCY IMPROVES AS WRITING FREQUENCY INCREASES. THE SECONDARY OBJECTIVE WAS TO ESTABLISH A CORRELATION BETWEEN GRAMMATICAL AND MECHANICAL ACCURACY AND THE ABILITY TO WRITE WELL. TO THIS END, 6 EXPERIMENTAL COLLEGE FRESHMAN SECTIONS WERE ESTABLISHED, EACH 2 SECTIONS WRITING 20, 8,…

ENGLISH COMPOSITION CLASSES IN THREE HIGH SCHOOLS WERE USED FOR AN EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM TO SHOW THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LAY READERS IN GRADING STUDENT PAPERS. THE PROGRAM WAS SPECIFIED AS "CONTRACT CORRECTING," OR STATED IN ANOTHER WAY, IT WAS AN ATTEMPT TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF AN ADEQUATE WRITING PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITHOUT…

AN 8-WEEK SUMMER PROGRAM TO PROVIDE A TRANSITIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR 69 GIFTED CULTURALLY DISADVANTAGED GIRLS (GRADES 8 TO 11) WHO WERE GIVEN CONDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS TO INDEPENDENT HIGH SCHOOLS CONSISTED OF INTENSIVE TUTORING IN ENGLISH, READING, AND MATHEMATICS. A PROFESSIONAL TEACHING STAFF WAS ASSISTED BY UNDERGRADUATE RESIDENT TUTORS, WHO ACTED…

Reflecting a view of how classrooms can and should look to assist all students to achieve high standards of excellence, this curriculum framework presents the first statewide framework for learning, teaching, and assessment in the English language arts for Massachusetts public schools. After an introduction, it discusses the core concept…

The purpose of the Model Academic Curriculum Project was to assess and define the most effective components of the curriculum for Massachusetts vocational-technical schools that would be reflective of current academic demands and employment needs. Eight study goals were implemented: establish statewide meetings; identify/select study groups;…