This book about curriculum in American schools is centered on answering questions regarding placing curriculum within the context of schools and school systems, and presenting ideas regarding world-class standards and continuous improvement. Curriculum cannot be allowed to become simply the means to separate the haves from the have-nots based on socioeconomic status alone. Tests must be related to what students are taught in schools. The need for focused continuous learning requires a curriculum that connects elementary and middle schools to high schools. World-class schools require comparison to world-class standards. American schools must meet national, and even some international, standards if they are to become "world-class." The following chapters are included: (1)"Fundamental Curriculum Concepts"; (2) "Curriculum Planning"; (3) "World-Class Curriculum"; (4) "Toward Balanced Assessment"; (5) "Program Evaluation"; (6) "Toward Continuous Curricular Improvement"; and (7) "A Keyhole Peek into the 21st Century." Each chapter contains references. (Contains 11 figures and 8 tables.) (SLD)