This study builds on previous work in curriculum studies by providing insight into manifestations of the interplay between curriculum traditions, that are interested in education on a global scale and emphasized in the newest curriculum reform in Finland. This reform proposes a shift towards a competency-based curriculum, emphasizes integrative…

In this article, we discuss principals' perspectives on the priority given to the place in the curriculum of and the supporting practices related to health and sustainability education in schools in Denmark (for pupils aged 6-16). The study is situated within the discourses about critical health and sustainability education and treats the two…

This narrative inquiry traces a beginning teacher's unfolding career over a six-year period in a diverse middle school in the fourth largest city in the USA. The work revolves around two conceptualizations: "stories to live by" and "stories to leave by." How these identity-related phenomena surface and play out in an…

Reviews literature related to potential sources of the principal's influence on curriculum decisions of teachers. Topics discussed include expectations of the principal's curricular influence, the reality of such influence, sources of influence, and mechanisms that can be used by principals to increase their curricular influence. (DB)

The supportiveness of the principal was found to be significantly related to the organizational and theoretical dimensions of school-based curriculum development. When school staff saw the principal as supportive, there was higher perceived intimacy among staff, higher perceived curriculum satisfaction, more perceived group decision-making, and…

Discusses the results of a national survey of secondary school principals in Ireland undertaken to determine (1) what curriculum developments have taken place at central and local levels, and (2) what variables might best explain and predict involvement in school-based or decentralized approach to curriculum development. (RM)

Investigates the role of social studies department heads and principals in five schools involved in a project studying higher-order thinking skills. Identifies similarities and differences between department heads and administrators. Develops indicators of the success of the five schools in promoting higher-order thinking in social studies…

Reports on a case study of the perceptions of principles of traditional South African schools on social change. The principal's essential conservatism suggests that meaningful curriculum change will not be easily achieved. Reveals a deep dichotomy between progressive educational rhetoric and actual school practices. (MJP)