This book may be use either as the basic text in a continueing education course dealing with the fundamentals of management or as a resourc for the manager who is pursuing his or her own self-development. although this book was printed in 1985, it gives the reader a holistic view of managementin the form of a management model that can be adapted to his or her particular situation.

G. Hickman CUR 504 Week 5 Discussion Group Entry Dr. Kochlany August 18, 2001

Curriculum and Improvement: Decision Making and Process by Ronald Dell (1996) has proven to be a valuable resource for curriculum development. The chapter on subject matter and its role in decision-making was particularly useful in the development of my thematic unit. The detailed explanation of cognitive, affective and psychomotor objectives was insightful and I will share this information with my beginning teachers. Chapter Four also presented valuable information on the selection of subject matter for teaching in an age of abundant knowledge and the importance of specifying objectives, establishing criteria and detailing learning experiences. Chapter Eight provided information on the planning process and details a compendium of steps used in planning. This information will be of assistance as I develop a yearlong program of professional development and as I coordinate the School Advisory Council and the creation of a School Improvement Plan.

Critique of books

I utilized both books thoroughly during this course. I feel that the book written by Roberts & Kellough regarding the thematic unit was a fabulous tool to use when I began to research and develop my unit. I was able to use different approaches and to get great ideas while planning my assignment. The text was easy to read and understand and the examples were detailed enough to give me a good start into implementation. I will definitely utilize this book often during my teaching profession, and I will refer to it to help me when planning curriculum in my school site as an administrator. The book authored by Doll gave good insight to the history of curriculum. It encompassed how curriculum and instruction has progressed through the years to what we utilize today in our educational system in America. Using many different perspectives and theories, it gave me a better understanding of where we came from and where we want to go in education. As an administrator, I must be able to set a vision for my school and curriculum and instruction play a major part in this as I try to motivate my school to carry out that vision. It is an ever changing duty full of challenges and difficulties, that I will try hard to meet daily both as a teacher and also as a future leader.

Curriculum Improvement by Ronald C. Doll was packed with information.

Mr. Doll addressed the reader with dignity without condescending while addressing such a towering subject. Yet he started at the very beginning of curriculum with no assumptions of the reader's knowledge. The reading was easy and practical for such an expansive subject. After reading this book you definitely gained respect for curriculum designers, educational administrators and teacher practitioners who effectively do there part in delivering effective curriculum.

The organization of the book was purposeful in that you obtain awareness of what it takes and how much it takes to create good curriculum. It is written in such a manner that you easily find the subjects needed.

With all of the data in the book, the author does not purport to be the end all. Rather he gives food for thought, what has happened in the past and attainments for which to strive.

This book is an excellent reference. Any practitioner would do well to have it their professional library.