Examines the British government's goal of introducing criterion-referenced, formative student evaluation in primary schools. Reports on a case study in which the reliability of a Standard Assessment Task was examined in three second-grade classrooms. Questions whether or not the decision to drop the task from the test was correct. (CFR)

Student assessment in science in primary (elementary) schools in the United Kingdom is discussed in the context of the enactment of a National Curriculum. Sample science test items are included. Teachers must develop the skills required to assess students' learning in science and should not rely on external tests. (SLD)

The Swiss national curriculum for upper secondary schools requires geography to be taught according to new paradigms concerning subject contents and learning methodology. Today, nearly 10 years after the new curriculum was enacted, the question arises whether the paradigmatic changes were acknowledged by geography teachers and integrated into…

This paper focuses on a British Council funded Higher Education Link project involving three institutions--Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) in the UK and two South African institutions, the University of South Africa (UNISA) and Rhodes University. The link is a research and development project that has three main research strands:…

This study examined teachers' recording and reporting practices in conjunction with the recently published New Zealand Curriculum Framework (NZCF), which requires teachers to report the achievement of students in curriculum strands. Teachers from 10 primary, intermediate, and secondary schools examined existing practices and worked to develop…

This report summarizes a conference which addressed the 1988 British Education Reform Act (ERA). Two of the major planks in ERA, the National Curriculum and Local Management of Schools (LMS), were discussed in detail by speakers and delegates with a view to developing integration and building inclusive schools. Summaries are provided of the talks…

The role of Design and Technology in schools in England is changing. These changes were heralded by the Government Green Paper "14-19: Extending Opportunities, Raising Standards" (Department for Education and Skills [DfES], 2002), which proposed that education and training of 14-19-year-olds should be delivered by a more flexible…

Introduction of the National Literacy Strategy (NLS) into all English schools means that even teachers in small schools with mixed-age classes undertake a large amount of whole-class literacy teaching. The NLS promotes the use of specific teaching strategies during a carefully structured hour-long literacy session. Also, the framework of…

Two cases of planned curriculum change are examined to illustrate the limits and possibilities of curriculum reform. One case used upgraded mathematics curriculum for low achieving, urban, U.S. secondary students. The other examined a national curricular reform in Scotland where secondary curricula and national examinations were closely aligned.…

Discusses the changing role of religion studies in British education as a result of the National Curriculum. Maintains that the interdisciplinary curriculum development has been politicized by the government and the Church of England. (CFR)

This article examines effects of the 1988 Education Reform Act in the United Kingdom, especially the decline in participative decision making by teachers, increased centralization of control, and the introduction of a national curriculum. The paper also discusses the historical relationship between professional autonomy for teachers and control of…

This report presents the results of a survey of teachers', parents', and the general public's views on the impact of the National Curriculum on Primary Education in Great Britain since the passage of the 1988 Education Reform Act. Chapter 1 of the report introduces the survey and presents a general review of the survey's findings, while chapter 2…

The Educational Reform Act (ERA) of 1988 reflects the most comprehensive restructuring of education in Britain in this century. This paper discusses the implementation of the National curriculum, the innovation at the heart of the ERA. The first part of the paper offers the views of educational commentators on changes resulting from this law.…

This paper focuses on school reform in England and in particular on the attempts to increase diversity and choice through specialist schools. It examines the extent to which diversity and choice have been introduced into the state (public) education system and then presents key findings to emerge from an evaluation of the flagship government…

Criticizes computing and information technology curricula in "Higher Still" (proposed new Scottish upper secondary curricula). Argues that the proposals are outdated, inflexible, and inconsistent with current "5-14" curricula. Examines specified courses in information technology, higher computing studies, and information…