Making Connections: A Curriculum Ideabook for Teachers of Applied Academics and Health Services.

This Ideabook is designed to help vocational/tech prep and applied academics teachers plan and present their subject matter in a more integrated way. Section 1 discusses integrating the curriculum, rationale for using the curriculum, and how the book helps teachers modify their instructional programs to more closely match demands and realities of the real world. Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) competencies and SCANS foundation skills and qualities are listed. Section 2 looks at the three levels of integration: infusion; linked; and multidisciplinary. Section 3 presents strategies and activities a teacher can use to make academic instruction more integrated, divided into these areas: teach thinking strategies; use authentic assessment tools; use rubrics and periodicals; simulate the workplace; incorporate projects; use demonstrations and discovery; use planning tools that support integration; and devise joint plans with other teachers. Section 4, focusing on the information superhighway, covers the Internet, World Wide Web, e-mail, newsgroups, mailing lists, and Web sites. Section 5 describes curricular resources for applied communications, mathematics, and science; applied communications; applied mathematics and science; applied mathematics; applied science. Contact information is also provided. Section 6 contains excerpts from the Occupational Competency Analysis Profile for diversified health occupations. (YLB)