Provides a tentative framework for a new science curriculum. Draws on the work of John Dewey in stating that the principal task of public education, including science education, is the strengthening of democratic practice. Suggests a move away from curriculum wish lists and towards consensus documents such as the Benchmarks for Science Literacy…

The NASPE STARS program is a national recognition program featuring three levels of excellence to recognize outstanding physical education programs in K-12 schools across America. The criteria for the award are based on the essential elements that are necessary for a quality physical education program, as defined by the published national…

Reports on what proved to be one of the more challenging issues raised by the feedback to "Principles and Standards for School Mathematics: Discussion Draft" and how the writers used that feedback to create a more effective final document. (KHR)

The national skill standards project may take 10 years to complete and will be expensive to set up and maintain. Getting consensus from industry, unions, and educators and ensuring checks for fairness and nondiscrimination pose challenges. (SK)

Functional analysis, the method used to produce national standards, has weaknesses at several levels, and its philosophical and conceptual bases are problematic. Placing it at the center of vocational education reform is a questionable policy. (SK)

Outlines 10 reasons for supporting the National Standards for Music Education. Argues that there are ways that teachers can make the Standards work for them, and are arguments that they can use to sell the idea of the Standards to the public, decision makers, and other teachers. (DSK)

National standards show that environmental education can fit into the curriculum and help meet requirements for student learning. Believes that environmental education must play an integral role throughout the educational system at the state and national levels and in each and every classroom. (CCM)

With the federal No Child Left Behind Act underscoring the wide variation in what states demand of their students, people on both sides of the political aisle are again making the case for national standards, curricula, and tests. It wasn't so long ago--during the Clinton and George H.W. Bush administrations--that similar proposals went down in…

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a large Arab, Muslim country in the Middle East. It has been an economic and political partner of the United States for many years. This unit, designed for elementary students, provides a text, questions, mapping skills, and fun activities. Students read about Saudi Arabia to gain insights and an appreciation of…

Examines the standards movement, criticizing the inappropriateness of many proposed benchmarks. Argues that national standards are a xenophobic reaction to foreign competition and serve narrow nationalistic interests, rather than the goal of developing the fullest potential of learners. (SK)

Describes the student assessment standards outlined in "Advancing Excellence in Technological Literacy: Student Assessment, Professional Development, and Program Standards," a companion to the "Standards for Technological Literacy." Discusses how the standards apply to everyday teaching practices. (JOW)

Suggests that the authors of the Standards for the Assessment of Reading and Writing seek standards as an essential tool to work for just and fair educational opportunities and outcomes. Argues that that faith is misplaced because standards, rules, or laws cannot change biased minds. (RS)

National standards are antithetical to democracy and national arts education standards are antithetical to the cultivation of art. An alternative is creation of local standards that arise from community circumstances. Meta-standards can help guide communities in the formation of local standards. (SK)

Argues that the National Council of Teachers of English's Standards for English Arts serves corporate unreality rather than the reality of America's children, and that NCTE is pursuing someone else's agenda, diminishing its potential impact on schools and society. Suggests that the standards are part of a coordinated effort by corporations in…

Argues that the School Leaders Licensure Assessment required for administrator certification in several states promotes a narrow, mainstream concept of instructional leadership. (PKP)