This booklet compares the Pacesetter English course in English language arts for twelfth-grade students with the "Standards for the English Language Arts," recently published by the National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association. The aim of the booklet is to demonstrate the links between the Standards…

This book is a collection of works that explore the implications of a national U.S. curriculum through the study of Japanese education. It consists of 10 chapters: (1) "The Development of the Course of Study and the Structure of Educational Reform in Japan" (Hiroshi Azuma); (2) "Setting National Standards: Educational Reform, Social…

Discusses the importance of creating a large-ensemble handbook to help students, parents, administrators, and staff. Addresses the types of information a director should include in the handbook, such as a program overview, ensemble description, an event calendar, and explanations of policies and procedures. (CMK)

Education standards are left to the discretion of individual states. However, efforts to help states and local school districts define world-class standards are intensifying. The U.S. Department of Education, the National Education Goals Panel, and New Standards, a partnership of 17 states and 6 school districts, are among those involved. (MLF)

Discusses the functions of the National Skill Standards Board, proposed under of the National Skill Standards Act and the Goals 2000: Educate America Act. Indicates that a study by the Institute of Educational Leadership found approximately 700 committees that used industry volunteers to help states develop skill standards and which could provide…

During the past few years, several Dutch curriculum and assessment specialists have been developing proposals for national attainment targets for various education sectors (primary education, lower secondary education, secondary vocational education, and teacher training colleges). This article analyzes this development activity according to…

Describes the use of a matrix process to establish connections between mathematics and science using national standards. The matrix can be established as a regular part of the planning process and can help guide educators to implement effective activities which embed the standards and connections within the curriculum rather than as supplemental…

Discusses the standards described in the U.S. book "National Standards for World History." Summarizes the book's content and gives examples of specific topics for different grade levels. Believes that world history teachers in Canada should read this book even though it excludes information on the South Pacific, Australia, and Canada.…

Discusses the need for preservice teacher competencies in technology and describes the development of performance-based technology competencies at the University of Northern Iowa that were based on several national standards documents. Highlights include equipment operation, supporting information literacy, and technology integration in specific…

Analyzes the construction of reflection in teaching within key documents for presenting or implementing current educational policy in England and Wales. The documents note the potentially fruitful approach to harnessing reflection and reflective practice in the pursuit of given goals. This is in tension with bureaucratic and political imperatives…

Examines development and implementation of Britain's National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) initiative, particularly the needs-assessment process, from an assessment center manager's perspective. Despite the pace, changing context, and inadequate resources, this initiative has ensured that principals will have more systematic…

Addresses the ease with which teachers in subjects other than art incorporate design into their curricula. Considers the nature of design knowledge. Examines three of the visual arts standards from National Standards for Arts Education as a means for revealing the distance between art and design education. Offers four recommendations for art…

Presents an interview with Allan Luke, current editor of "The Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy," and Deputy Director General of Education for Queensland. Discusses several reform projects--Education 2010 (a futures-oriented analysis and philosophy for Queensland Schools); The New Basics ( a new curriculum/pedagogy/assessment…

Describes a lesson plan to develop the students' mental mapping skills that was used with preservice elementary teachers in a social studies methods course. Students deduce the location of a particular Centerville among the 38 throughout the United States. The lesson can be used with fourth grade students and above. (CMK)

Discusses assessment management in music education, explaining that assessment management plans include assessment methods that are reliable, valid, and authentic, the development of an assessment schedule and assessment reports, and using results to evaluate the overall music program. Provides selected resources, the components of a plan, and…