There is a gap in the research on the relationship between secondary school subject departments, particularly where, as in the case of science and religious education (RE), there is not the traditional relationship that may be seen in science and maths or across humanities subjects. More awareness of content taught in other departments is…

In this article, Theo Woods shares the experience of one history department as they embarked on a substantial process of curriculum review and development. The department sought to address concerns that the range of history taught in their school, across the full seven years of students' secondary experience, was too 'traditional, White and…

This case study presents the development of a system that integrated two strands of SoTL research--Decoding the Disciplines and Students as Partners--into a secondary history teacher preparation program. This system simultaneously refined teaching in undergraduate history courses and provided authentic learning experiences for secondary education…

This study aims to identify the relationship between thinking styles and the need for cognition in students of the faculty of education, as well as the existence of significant differences between these two variables according to gender, department of study, class level, educational background from secondary school level, monthly incomes of…

Evidence from an ethnographic study of three secondary school geography departments in England is drawn on to describe aspects of the relationships between examination boards and school subjects. This paper focuses on one department, in "Town Comprehensive", and the argument is illustrated through a discussion of observed lessons with a…

This case study explores the way that school art in England remains a marginalised subject at secondary level, despite the expansion of art-based career opportunities. A recent government document evaluating art, craft and design education highlights the potential role of head teachers in raising an art department's profile. The current study…

A recent trend in developed countries' school curricula has been the transition from disciplinary to generic forms of knowledge, resulting in an emphasis on interdisciplinary organisation and more active forms of learning. Subject specialists are increasingly expected to demonstrate how their subject interconnects and equips pupils with key life…

In the context of "academic momentum," a longitudinal study of university students (N = 904) showed high school achievement and ongoing university achievement predicted subsequent achievement through university. However, the impact of high school achievement diminished, while additive effects of ongoing university achievement continued.…

Considers the position of the subject area supervisor. Reports on a survey of the characteristics of these positions as they are found in the school districts of Pennsylvania. Assesses the potential for the continuation of the positions in the districts surveyed. (HB)

These four issues of the CSSEDC Quarterly (Conference for Secondary School English Department Chairpersons) represent the quarterly for 1988. Articles in number 1 include: "Relearning Leadership" (Tom Jones); "The English Coalition Conference" (Robert Denham); "The Reluctant Writer and Word Processing" (James…

Examines the head of department's role within school and departmental improvement, considering the dimensions of the leadership role, the impact of types of departments on leadership potential, differential strategies for departmental improvement, and the relationship between departmental and school development. Argues for organization-wide…

Explores the relationship between (Ontario) secondary-school organizational structures and implementation of legislated change initiatives. Examines the role of individuals responsible for implementing two legislated curriculum innovations: curriculum integration and performance-based assessment. Implementing whole-school or subject-based…

Coordinators, as described in this speech, refer to persons called department chairmen, chairpersons, heads, or leaders. The history of the use of coordinators and the responsibilities assigned to them by principals are discussed. The major emphasis of the paper is placed on the considerations necessary for the successful use of coordinators in…

Faculty offices shared by a department provide a forum for exchange of teaching ideas as well as a preparation area. (Author)

The medium-specificity thesis that says each art form has its own domain of expression and exploration is discussed. This thesis has significance for educational policy, e.g., when art forms try to form their own academic departments or divisions, they will assert their autonomy using medium-specificity arguments. (RM)