Questions Persist about Federal Support for Development of Curriculum Materials and Behavior Modification Techniques Used in Local Schools

Major federal programs were identified which fund the development of both curriculum materials and behavior modification techniques for use in local schools. Officials involved in these programs were interviewed, and program regulations, reports, and other materials were reviewed. Selected organizations that had expressed concerns about the programs were also contacted.

The amount of federal funding could not be determined, but projects for developing and disseminating curriculum materials and behavior modification techniques were federally supported in varying degrees. Federal control over projects varied from little control in projects funded by grants to a leading role in at least one program. Dissemination of information about federally funded projects, as required by legislation, varied from simply identifying projects to developing packaged products and providing training to personnel. Concerns about federal encroachment on local decisions were not resolved in spite of existing limitations. The lack of coordinated policies has contributed to piecemeal efforts in curriculum development and dissemination. An assessment should be made of former and current efforts as a step in developing policy.