This article presents reconstructionism (the process of critique and reformulation of practice) as a useful way to design curriculum in inclusive schools. Theoretical foundations and the use of learner-centered, process-oriented, and communication-based instructional approaches are proposed as promising practices in curriculum design for diverse…

Editor-in-chief James Morrison talks with organic education proponent Hugh Osborn at the 2005 World Future Society conference. The current school system in America is inflexible and not conducive to technological innovation; a complete reform of American education, Osborn feels, is required. Osborn calls for a move to organic education, a…

The time has come to seriously consider thinking as a major goal for teaching and learning at all levels of education. This calls for educational restructuring in which higher order cognitive processes are defined, and a better understanding for how to develop them in all youngsters and adults is built. Youngsters need to become constructors of…

This dissemination and diffusion handbook for the Florida State Department Division of Vocational Education is divided into ten chapters. Chapter 1 describes the functions of the dissemination and diffusion (D&D) section of the division of vocational education. Identifying the procedures and processes to be followed, chapter 2 focuses on the…

This article describes the educational reform begun in Guinea in 1959 and assesses the progress made as a result of the continual improvement of the reform. The basic principle of the reform is to aim at life-oriented schooling. (Author/RM)

Discusses the three channels for education in developing countries: schools, or the formal education system; modern nonformal education through mass media and government programs; and the traditional incidental education serving most of the people. Suggests reforms in all channels to emphasize adult and continuing education. (MF)

At the heart of the Royal Air Force's revised basic engineering training is competency based assessment. Discusses the need for: new technologies, different skills, new competences, appropriate expectations, systems awareness, and skills integration. Examines training requirements; approach used (task analysis, final criterion test, interim tests,…

General and specific strategies useful in facilitating an integrated educational environment for children with severe disabilities are presented. Strategies include, among others, identifying and facilitating natural supports, using a participation approach, demonstrating success locally, recruiting collaborators, communicating with all members of…

This article looks at curriculum for students with learning difficulties from a British perspective and urges the replacement of behavioral approaches to the curriculum by a process model which emphasizes personal and social development rather than the National Curriculum. (Author/DB)

Since 1999, post-gymnasium education in Poland can be carried out at secondary schools with a basic or extended programme, at technical colleges or at vocational schools. At this stage of schooling, environmental education is conducted in the form of subject teaching, interdisciplinary tracks and in extra-curricular lessons. The aims and tasks of…

This paper examines the concept of "outcomes-based education" (OBE), how it was developed, how it relates to other current reforms that encompass the notion of outcomes, and how it relates to students with disabilities in theory and in practice. Outcomes-based education holds that all children can learn and succeed and that schools are…

The research project describes a Providence-based non-profit organization called the Big Picture Company (BP), and its efforts to replicate its small high school design in multiple communities throughout the United States (with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation). It refers implicitly also to BP's ambition (and that of the Gates…

A model for a more student-centered research university is proposed, a central feature of which is the student-centered course, designed to be less faculty-focused and to have more impact on student learning. Ten key actions needed to create this institutional form are outlined. Common faculty objections to the model are also discussed. (MSE)

This article examines the unique organizational structure of middle schools and the historical context leading to their development. A true middle school is described as providing personalized curricula for the learning needs of diverse learners through use of problem-oriented interdisciplinary teams and flexible grouping practices. (JDD)

Educators in gifted education should be involved in the School Reform Movement because of the need of gifted learners for positive changes in education and because of the potential of the field to contribute to improved education for all students. Philosophical contributions, instructional contributions, and pedagogical contributions of gifted…