Like the three critically acclaimed prior editions, the fourth edition of this information-packed volume offers a comprehensive treatment of the nature of the curriculum development process and the nature of twenty-first-century education reform. In a style notable for its lack of jargon and digressive pedagogy, the author simplifies the sound foundations and principles of curriculum development as they apply to the implementation of major education reform. This revised and expanded edition features cutting-edge research and the latest predictions of future trends. The books three integrated themesmulticultural education, constructivism, and education reformare more relevant than ever in the twenty-first century. The empowerment and involvement of teachers, students, and parents from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds has increased, with collaboration as the motivating force. Throughout, readers will find documentation of the continued impact of the No Child Left Behind legislation on all facets of education and school reform and the latest implications for educators at all levels, including the importance of concept development and action research as a key to curriculum planning and education reform. The fourth edition promotes engaged learning with: tips from educators across the country on highly effective curriculum planning and education reform activities and strategies the latest educational technology, including blogs, podcasting, WebQuests, and iTunes U new or updated case studies by teachers and administrators that detail curriculum-planning experiences and apply abstract concepts to real-world situations end-of-chapter focus questions, summaries of advances and concerns, and activities for readers who wish to pursue additional learning opportunities in each chapter up-to-date Internet resources