The quantity of schooling students receive in different curricular areas makes a powerful contribution to differences in achievement both within and between schools. These variations in quantity arise from differences in course offerings available to students in different high schools, as well as from variations in course selections by students.…

Presents results of a national survey collecting data about the current status of and trends in elective social studies programs in secondary schools. Reports that most schools offer elective programs, usually optional rather than required electives. Concludes that psychology and sociology were the most common electives. Includes tables showing…

Examines 32 top-ranked Masters of Business Administration programs. Finds that management communication is an important part of professional graduate management education: 18 of the schools have required core courses in communication, and 2 others follow an integrated model and offer electives; another 9 offer electives only. Finds that only 3…

This study investigated how agricultural education programs prepare teacher education students for work in diverse situations. It assessed the extent to which agricultural education programs are infusing diversity, multiculturalism, and pluralism into their curriculum as courses, field experiences, and in-service for current teachers. This census…

Natasha is a nursing student with a 4.0 grade point average, a first-generation East Indian American, and the first woman in her family to go to college. Lugging a twenty-five-pound book bag of texts that cause her slight frame to slump forward under the weight, she carries a far heavier burden of familial expectation and pride. She has expressed…

Features a one page "at a glance" planning sheet for mapping out a student's high school coursework and for monitoring progress as the years go by. The objectives are to plan coursework selection; monitor progress; and show what courses have been completed, what courses are required, or elective courses that are yet to be completed. (JPS)

The Grand Blanc (Michigan) Community School District sets budget priorities by (1) surveying students, taxpayers, and teachers to learn their preferences for current programs and services; (2) determining the costs of state-mandated programs; (3) listing nonmandated programs and determining their costs; and (4) considering proposed new programs.…

Attempted to cross validate a model of relationships among social--contextual factors, individual differences, and intrinsic motivation in 219 adolescent students in required courses and elective courses. Results indicate data are best represented by a model that separates social-contextual factors, individual factors, intrinsic motivation, and…

Data in this survey supports the notion that the trend to eliminate physical education instruction in colleges and universities has ended. A reverse trend appears to be emerging. In addition, numerous changes have occurred in basic instruction in physical education course offerings over the years. (Author/IAH)

A study examined the effects of increased academic requirements for high school graduation on enrollment trends in public secondary vocational education programs in Washington since 1983. Vocational directors of 211 school districts that had increased graduation requirements since 1983 were surveyed through questionnaires. Results indicated that…

Discusses the effects of school scheduling practices upon middle school music instruction. Offers recommendations for addressing scheduling difficulties. Describes teaming and block scheduling, curriculum integration, redesigning the "exploratory wheel" scheduling technique, electives, and other scheduling options. Identifies principles of…

This digest highlights the planning phase of developing and implementing middle school foreign language programs, focusing particular attention on program types and criteria for selecting an appropriate program. Specific issues addressed include the following: (1) Which language or languages should be taught? (2) At what grade level should foreign…

The appearance of a graduation requirement in the arts has focused attention on public school systems to provide comprehensive music education coursework. As a result, this report discusses trends in secondary music education course requirements, suggests strategies for implementing a meaningful music curriculum, cites obstacles to expanding music…

Taiwan's senior high school technology education (TE) is moving from industrial arts (IA) to living technology (LT). However, senior high school LT faces two major challenges. First, LT, a required course, may be changed to an elective. Second, there is only a vague distinction between junior high school LT and senior high school LT. In terms of…

A study involving 240 undergraduate business students in four different types of class situations (non-major required, non-major elective, major required, and major elective) was undertaken to determine dimensions that students use to evaluate teachers. Findings indicate that the relative importance of various dimensions is associated with type of…