A total of 122 state and 147 school district curriculum guides were obtained and analyzed for their coverage of specific subject areas in elementary and secondary schools. The dates of the guides ranged from 1961 to 1978. Analysis is provided of the state and district guides across all subject areas as well as within each subject area. The subject areas covered are: (1) the arts; (2) English, reading, and language arts; (3) mathematics; (4) physical education; (5) science and health; (6) social studies; (7) vocational/career education; and (8) general (not subject-area based) guides. Guides in two other subjects, foreign languages and interdisciplinary studies were provided from states in the sample. The framework for analyzing the curriculum guide characteristics included the categories of purpose and rationale, authorship, goals and objectives, materials, content, activities, evaluation, time, space, individualization, decision making, suggestive/prescriptive tone, and special features. Conclusions are stated dealing with inconsistencies in terminology and methodology, emphasis on cognitive attainments, differences in focus between state and district guides, and the function performed by the curriculum guides. (FG)