Discussed are numerous issues pertaining to the elementary school curriculum, including (1) behaviorally stated objectives; (2) selection of learning activities; (3) the structure of knowledge; (4) handwriting; (5) teaching of spelling; (6) use of basal readers; (7) the initial teaching alphabet; (8) arguments for a national curriculum; (9) teaching of grammar; (10) balance in the mathematics curriculum; (11) inductive versus deductive learning; (12) reality in the social studies; (13) individual versus group work; (14) using standard versus nonstandard English; (15) foreign language in the elementary school; (16) use of specific guidelines by supervisors making observations of classroom teaching; (17) tuition vouchers; (18) accountability; and (19) open-space education. Generally, the discussions point out advantages and disadvantages associated with particular issues and provide a sense of current educational practices in the United States that are related to these issues. (RH)