Integrating vehicle control skills into the 1995 Washington State Traffic Safety Education Master Curriculum Guide

The purpose of this study was to determine minimum performance skills, develop curriculum support, and determine assessment procedures for incorporating traction and vehicle control principles within the 1995 Washington Traffic Safety Education (TSE) Master Curriculum Guide. Benchmark performances, competence, and mastery of skills are the bases for assessment in a performance based structure. Prior to the Washington Education Reform Bill, realistic levels of effort were regulated by minimum time allotments in local school entities.; Vehicle control benchmark performances, competence, and skill mastery assessments were identified through instructor and research based priorities. Curriculum support materials were designed to meet needs of local school entities using the master curriculum guide. Field test sites were established based by curriculum revision committee criteria and instructors were trained concerning unique features of the revised curriculum. Control field sites instruction used existing 1992 curriculum, while experimental field sites used revised 1995 curriculum. The control group posttested for classroom knowledge and performance skill scores. The experimental group pre- and posttested for classroom knowledge and performance skill scores.; Analysis indicated a significant improvement for students trained using the 1995 curriculum guide compared to students trained using the 1986 curriculum guide--revised 1992. T-tests revealed the 1995 Washington TSE Master Curriculum Guide training made a significant improvement in student benchmark performances, knowledge, and skills gained from entry to exit level measurements.; Recommendations include instructor training, replication, and crash statistical analysis. Training and replication of field site studies throughout Washington may increase instructor awareness of new curriculum concepts. Statistical information in 1994 and 1995 indicated a below average fatal rate for 16 and 17 year old drivers in Washington State compared to national norms. Further study and crash records analysis may provide future needs and components for experienced as well as novice driver education curriculum.