This well-organized, concise text covers the most important basic ideas for understanding the area of curriculum. The text contains compilations of important dates and events, definitions of curriculum, names to know in curriculum study, and an introduction to the philosophies and theories influencing curriculum development. With all this material, Curriculum Essentials describes in detail the development process beginning with concept development and ending in classroom lesson plans.

Recognizing the recent diversity of cultural values and the manifestation of new technologies, the text addresses the changing nature of curriculum toward more creative, less mechanical programs. The text includes applications of these ideas in programs for young children, disadvantaged learners, exceptional education, gifted and talented programs, bilingual students, preadolescents, and adolescent learners.