Many states have adopted the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), which emphasize "deeper learning" skills, such as mastery of core academic content, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. But can the new tests being developed to align with the CCSS be used to promote deeper learning and high-quality classroom instruction?…

The curriculum deliberations of 3 fourth-grade teachers who met weekly to plan their lessons were explored in this qualitative case study. These teachers participated voluntarily and routinely produced viable plans for the coming week. With their planning meetings recorded and transcribed, the resulting transcripts were analyzed using Schwab's…

Borrowing from Madeline Hunter, school districts should define staff development as school- or district-wide efforts to improve the quality of teacher decision-making. This article outlines a six-step process (including needs assessment, brainstorming, strategic plannning, communicating plans, coaching for effectiveness, and periodic monitoring)…

In this article, the authors present a philosophical exploration of the import of a democratic ethic in making decisions concerning curricula. Specifically, the authors offer a guide for ethical decision making that is concerned with promoting fairness and acting on social justice principles. The ethical responsibilities of educators are explored,…

This paper explores the decision-making process leading to school district approval for staff development. A retrospective field study approach was used to investigate the decision of a small, rural school district in eastern Washington (enrollment 2,200) to adopt a comprehensive English composition teaching program throughout the curriculum. This…

This paper examines an important component of the developing field of education in emergencies: curriculum decision-making processes. The paper argues that in order to fully meet the commitment articulated by the INEE Minimum Standards to provide quality education for all, curricula decisions cannot be ignored or postponed until after a crisis has…

As DeKalb Community College (DCC) expanded from one campus to four campuses, it became increasingly difficult for the college to conduct business related to curriculum and academic policies in an effective and efficient manner. In 1981, DCC's then new president reorganized the campuses and created a Faculty Senate to perform functions previously…

Begins constructing a conceptual framework for moral education programs by providing an account of the objectivity of moral judgment. Argues that moral education must help students choose values to inform moral judgments; recognize and contend with moral conflict; and develop critical reflection skills for examining the assumptions that inform…

Provides a model for developing a course in student leadership at the secondary level. Includes a sample outline for a Basic Leadership Course and a sample outline for an Advanced Leadership Course. (MD)

Defining the meaning, practical uses and purposes, and objectives of consumer education, the author clarifies confusion regarding the topic. (MD)

Proposes a data-based method for curriculum development that clearly displays priorities, provides a sound base for making curriculum decisions, and helps in eliminating community misunderstandings regarding those decisions (FL)

Outlines the study of a curriculum development project, analyzing the decision-making processes involved in each phase and raising questions about the general process of curriculum development. (MD)

Teachers, principals, and superintendents need to determine: who should be involved in choosing what learners are to learn; who should select learning activities for pupils as well as the sequence of these experiences; and who should be involved in appraising learner achievement in different curriculum areas. (JC)

Discusses the trend toward centralized decision making in schools brought about by state legislatures specifying curricular details. In the process, authority is shifted upwards to state level, and professionals become demoralized about changing or improving their schools' curricula. Citing Texas legislation and 11 other references, this paper…

This article offers some strategies for closing the linkage between initial needs assessment and the implementation of change. Examined are: prioritizing needs through criteria analysis, developing a cyclical implementation/staff inservice plan, and utilizing an analytical problem solving approach to curriculum and decision making. (Author/RAO)