This paper reports the results of a study conducted to: (1) design an instructional sequence to teach selected nursing curriculum development facts; (2) bring individual nursing instructors to a mastery level knowledge of basic theoretical models for nursing; and (3) demonstrate the applicability of the independent study approach to nursing education concepts and curriculum development. An instructional sequence on nursing education concepts was designed. Eighteen full- and part-time nursing instructors and a control group of baccalaureate holders were pre-tested on nursing education concepts. After completing the criterion-referenced instructional sequence, the nursing instructors evidenced a learning gain of from 15 to 65%; 11 of the nursing instructors and four control group members attained 80% mastery of the subject matter. Evaluation by the participants indicated that the self-paced programmed instruction facilitated the acquisition of nursing education facts. The use of mastery tests to identify the degree of knowledge of nursing education concepts held by newly-appointed nursing instructors, and use of the developed instructional sequence for orientation of new nursing instructors were recommended. Data are presented in tabular form and the instructional sequence is appended. (Author/JDS)