Weick's theory of sensemaking is used to analyze findings from a qualitative study of the implementation of a district-initiated adolescent intervention literacy course in two urban secondary schools. The authors concluded that implementation of the literacy course was hampered because district administrators, building leaders, teachers, and…

Teachers need training and support to revise their instructional practices to address the Information Society's needs. Districts must commit substantial resources to help teachers gain necessary skills and understanding. Considerable expertise is needed to establish an appropriate technological infrastructure and use it effectively. Traditional…

The personal development needs of preadolescents make extended guidance programs for middle school students crucially important. This article describes steps for teacher advisory program development--including a sample curriculum outline and learning activity--and summarizes the program role of the principal, counselor, and teacher. (DCS)

Presented in this article is the author's own experience in science curriculum change. (Editor)

After rejecting the extremes of complete coordination and no coordination in answering the question posed in the title, authors make the case for the middle ground. They then proceed to emphasize some points they consider essential to any educational program. (Editor/RK)

Career education, the author believes, is a method of teaching skills to students, rather than an extra'' subject. Creative teachers, stimulated to interest and involvement in career education, can provide exciting, meaningful preparation for the adult world of work. (Editor)

A practical explication of learning packets, this article gives a useful example of format and a guide for evaluation. (Editor)

Dublin (Ohio) High School developed a process to assess its program and expand its curriculum. This article describes the roles of consultants, faculty, and the board of education in creating a policy document without specifying procedures for curriculum revision, staff selection and deployment, and time management. (MLH)

Educators are generally untrained in sound assessment basics. They should conduct their own professional development in a total environment that demands and supports quality assessment. This environment should include a district statement of assessment policy, teacher/administrator partnerships, an integrated professional development plan, and…

"Separate-subject" approach to knowledge and skills has little support in curriculum research; reflects specialized, Eurocentric view of knowledge organization; and contradicts real-life information usage. Subject-wheel approach is one way to pursue connections. Integrative curriculum is more challenging, because it must be planned by…

Briefly reviews educational change since the 1830s, stressing a Fourth Wave model arising from 1980s reform movements. Discusses curricular and instructional changes affecting schools, schooling, and teachers. The Fourth Wave emphasizes a relevant, student-centered curriculum, cooperative learning, mastery learning, teacher teamwork, and a…

Tips are offered on how to ease the transition of students from elementary to middle level or junior high schools. A teacher-advisor program is proposed, and staff development modules are suggested to help teachers assist students in the transition process. (TE)

Although teachers have little voice in textbook selection or standardized test content, they still retain most powerful influence on students' learning and can serve as curriculum leaders. Past approachers have defined curriculum development as authoritarian administrative process and have regarded teachers as implementors. Teachers can prevail by…

Middle-level and high school teachers must be skilled in content-area reading strategies and be able to teach their students strategic informational reading skills. Students who learn how to use background knowledge, text-feature knowledge (headings, graphics, and vocabulary), and metacognitive knowledge.skillfully will become strategic readers.…

Previews the findings of "A Study of High Schools," cosponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the Commission on Educational Issues. Offers overall impressions of field visits to high schools and suggests eight principles by which high schools should be restructured. (JW)