Comments on the Theme of This Issue

The topic of this first issue, “Curriculum Design,” was chosen for its timeliness and broad relevance to American educators. Moreover, the editor, who is currently engaged in a research project on “European Curriculum Developments at the Second Level of Education,” had good opportunities to survey the varied spectrum of thought and practice in curriculum reform in several countries of Europe. Only a sampling of the extensive materials that may be of interest to our readers could be included. The selections are not necessarily “the best” of what European experts have to offer on the chosen topic, nor are they “representative” (in a scientific sense), but they illustrate various aspects of the overall theme.