Home  /  Back to disciplines  /  Request exam/desk copy  /  Purchase  /  View cart  /  Checkout

Curriculum Planning

Integrating Multiculturalism, Constructivism, and Education Reform, Third Edition

Kenneth T. Henson

Good curriculum development is seldom quick or easy. The updated third edition of this widely recognized textbook continues to offer a comprehensive treatment of the nature of the curriculum development process and the nature of education reform. In a style uncluttered by jargon and digressive pedagogy, the author helps readers to apply sound foundations and principles of curriculum development to meet their present and future responsibilities in implementing major education reform. The three themes of education reform, multicultural education, and constructivism are cohesively balanced throughout the volume in discussions of such current topics as the increasing impact of education technology, the value of teacher and student empowerment, the power of collaboration, and the validation and expansion of teachers’ roles as researchers. The author also assesses the impact of the No Child Left Behind legislation on various facets of education and school reform.

Among the enhancements to promote engaged learning, the third edition contains:

• graphic organizers that open each chapter and present a visual outline of the major topics
• focus questions, a summary of advances and concerns, and questions for readers who wish to pursue additional learning opportunities in each chapter
• new or updated case studies written by professors and administrators that detail contemporary curriculum planning experiences and apply abstract concepts to real-world situations
• a wealth of Internet resources for teachers, administrators, and curriculum planners

$56.95 list, 450 pages

10-digit ISBN: 1-57766-393-4

13-digit ISBN: 978-1-57766-393-5

© 2006

Instructor's Manual and Test Bank

“I am very impressed with the book. I enjoy the natural way that the author explains complex concepts. I find the organization easy to use. It lacks nothing when compared to the text we had formerly adopted—that it sells for half the price is a great book that I want to give my students.”   — Dan Elliott, Azuza Pacific University

 “This is an excellent text on current topics and trends in curriculum development. The case studies, opening vignettes, and focus questions provide motivation for the student. The emphasis on differentiated instruction and the integration with school reform initiatives are especially strong. The graphic organizers serve as an excellent organizational strategy for understanding the need for strong curriculum development.”  — Patricia Richard, University of Maryland

 “Few graduate students have made the necessary connections to plan a systems-level [curriculum] improvement. With this text as a planning guide, a school system or a graduate program could master the improvement process.”   — Martha Hall, Columbus State University

 “Good resource regarding curriculum study—and at an excellent price for a textbook! . . . Comprehensive, yet ‘reader friendly.’ A good balance of theory and practical application.”  —Marcus Haack, University of Iowa

“This easy-to read text is packed with appropriate, relevant, and current information from the field and from research. We love it!”  — Beverly Irby, Sam Houston State University

“I find this book gives my students the necessary information about curriculum planning. They gain a solid foundation upon which to build upon their masters programs. Summaries, learning opportunities, and suggested activities enhance this text as do the focus questions and case studies.” — Karen Megay-Nespoli, Long Island University, CW Post Campus 

“This is a fantastic book! I believe it’s the best text for instruction in curriculum because Dr. Henson documents and cites research to support the ideas he presents. The format is excellent, especially the graphic organizers used at the beginning of each chapter. The book is well written and enjoyable to read.” — MaryAnn Gaines, Texas A & M University 

 “I like the close form to the last edition. I appreciate the overview it gives of the aspects of a curriculum. It allows my students to evaluate their own curriculum using the major criteria presented in the text.” — George Patmor, Murray State University 

“Very comprehensive. It includes a wide range of topics that impact curriculum and teaching.” — Gwendolyn H. Middlebrooks, Spelman College 

“It covers curriculum development in an easy-to-read fashion with up-to-date sources. . . . The emphasis on constructivism is consistent throughout the text. Teachers are interested in ideas that actually work, and this approach lends itself beautifully to that goal.”  —P. Tony Graham, James Madison University

“The text covers most of the important topics treated in a curriculum development course. It is written in an accessible style that encourages student thinking about real-world curriculum problems and issues. The use of themes to unify the text is useful, [and] it provides practical guidelines for actually writing a curriculum; most other texts do not do this.”  —Dennis C. Buss, Rider University

Table of Contents

1. An Introduction to Curriculum Development

The Case of Eastwood Middle School / The Interrelated Themes / The Importance of Curriculum / The Hidden Curriculum / A Need for Reform / Case Study: Action Research as an Instrument of Change / Summary

2. Social and Technological Foundations of Curriculum

The Case of Linda Blevins and Marvin Watts / Part I: Social Foundations / Importance of the Society–School Relationship / Part II: Technological Foundations / Case Study: Accessing the Internet / Education Technology/Information Literacy / The Versatile Computer / The Internet Explosion / Education Technology: Implications for the Future / Summary

3. Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Curriculum

The Case of Diane Worley / Part I: Historical Foundations / The Evolution of American Education / Goals for Tomorrow’s Schools / Part II: Philosophical Foundations / Basic Philosophical Systems / Case Study: Philosophies in Conflict / Influences of Philosophy on Education / Summary

4. Concepts, Theories, and Models

The Case of a Disappointed Student / The Role of Research / Terminological Profile / Concepts / Theories / Case Study: Selecting Activities to Personalize the Curriculum / Models / Examples of Models in Action / Experiential Curriculum / Some Final Suggestions / Summary

5. Designing and Organizing Curricula

The Case of the Little School that Grew / Curriculum Designs / Case Study: A Partnership Approach to Designing Curricula / Selecting Curriculum Designs / Curriculum Design Qualities / Summary

6. Aims, Goals, and Objectives

The Case of San Sona Elementary School / The Aims, Goals, and Objectives of Curriculum Development / Case Study: As the Crow Flies / Summary

7. Selecting Content and Activities

The Case of Building Bridges to Reform / The Importance of Content and Activities Selection / Problems in Content and Activities Selection / Selecting Content / Selecting Activities / Case Study: The Role of Collaboration in Curriculum Decisions / Education Reform’s Impact on Selection of Content and Activities / Checklist for Revising Curricula / Tables of Specifications / Summary

8. Helping People Change

The Case of Regional University / Agents for Change / A Need for Involvement / Case Study: Collaborating for Change / Moving beyond Current Horizons / Summary

9. Evaluating Instruction and the Curriculum

The Case of an Accreditation Visit / The Significance of Evaluation / Evaluating Instruction / National Board for Professional Teaching Standards / Case Study: Integrating and Assessing Critical Thinking across the Curriculum / Evaluating the Curriculum / Evaluating Curriculum Components / Evaluating School Reform / Summary

10. Planning and Converting Curriculum into Instruction

A Wichita School Case / Long-Range Planning / Daily Lesson Planning / Case Study: Reenergizing a School in a High-Challenge Environment / Individualizing Instruction / Summary

11. Current and Future Curriculum Trends

Trends across the Disciplines / Case Study: Transitioning with No Child Left Behind / Trends within the Disciplines / Summary

Glossary