A Decision Analysis Curriculum
for High Schools

In 1992, Decision Research of Eugene, Oregon, began developing a decision-analysis curriculum for secondary schools in the United States. Funded by the National Science Foundation and directed by Robin Gregory with the assistance of Bob Clemen and Don MacGregor, the project has generated a number of curriculum modules that teachers can use in a variety of different classes. Most of the modules are short, reflecting the basic philosophy of the project: Find ways for teachers to integrate decision-making material into their existing curricula rather than create a stand-alone curriculum on decision-making. We wanted to infuse existing curricula with sound decision-making principles. On one hand, we believed that a new and separate curriculum stood little chance of being adopted because of the many constraints and mandates under which teachers must operate. On the other hand, we hoped that by infiltrating many parts of the current curriculum, we might actually be able to get our message across more effectively.

This web site provides access to a number of curriculum modules and research papers that have been generated by our decision-making education project. All of these can be downloaded from this web site.

1. A sample of the many brief curriculum modules. These are all drafts and subject to further revision. Click here for a list of modules available from this site.
2. A collection of research papers describing the project, the approach, and our findings. Click here for a list of papers available from this site.
3. Creative Decision Making: A Handbook for Active Decision Makers by Robert Clemen and Robin Gregory. Written as a handbook for teachers, Creative Decision Making explains the fundamental principles of decision analysis as simply and clearly as possible. The text is short (about 30,000 words), filled with everyday examples, and provides the basics that a reader needs in order to begin making sound decisions. Or, in the case of a teacher using our curriculum modules, a fundamental understanding of decision-making principles, basic knowledge necessary to use the modules effectively.
   
4. A short video is also available. The video describes the overall curriculum-development project and serves as an orientation for teachers.

A complete set of the curriculum materials is now available at cost from:

For more information about the project or any of the materials, please contact: