Curriculum Overview PDF

**Abstract** - This introductory chapter aims to provide curriculum leaders with an overview of the curriculum field and concepts for analysis. - Key outcomes include defining curriculum, examining types of curricula, contrasting curriculum components, and analyzing the hidden curr...

**Abstract** - This introductory chapter aims to provide curriculum leaders with an overview of the curriculum field and concepts for analysis. - Key outcomes include defining curriculum, examining types of curricula, contrasting curriculum components, and analyzing the hidden curriculum. - Fundamental questions addressed include the importance of curriculum, its types and components, and the significance of the hidden curriculum for leaders. - Curriculum leaders are encouraged to review and monitor policies to ensure alignment with curricular goals and support student learning. **THE CONCEPT OF CURRICULUM** - Defining curriculum is complex, as it has been used in various contexts with different meanings, often categorized as prescriptive or descriptive. - Prescriptive definitions outline what \"ought\" to happen in education, akin to medical prescriptions that may or may not be followed. - Descriptive definitions focus on the actual experiences in classrooms, emphasizing the need to understand how curricula are implemented in practice. - A comprehensive definition of curriculum includes both the plans for guiding learning and the actual experiences of learners, influenced by the learning environment. **THE TYPES OF CURRICULA** - The term \"curriculum\" originates from Latin, meaning \"to run a course,\" which can be understood through various types of curricula. - Goodlad identified five forms of curriculum planning: ideological, formal, perceived, operational, and experiential, each reflecting different perspectives on education. - The recommended curriculum is shaped by scholars and policymakers, emphasizing what should be taught based on societal values and educational needs. - The intentional curriculum consists of the written, supported, taught, and tested curricula, contrasting with the hidden curriculum that operates outside of formal intentions. **The Recommended Curriculum** - The recommended curriculum is influenced by educational reforms and societal concerns about the state of American education, including technology\'s role in learning. - Technological literacy is deemed essential for students, paralleling traditional core subjects in importance. - Professional associations and legislation significantly impact the development of recommended curricula, shaping educational standards and practices. - The Common Core State Standards and other initiatives aim to establish clear educational goals, emphasizing the need for quality education for all students. **The Written Curriculum** - The written curriculum serves as a control mechanism to ensure educational goals are met, providing a comprehensive framework for teaching. - It is more specific than the recommended curriculum, detailing objectives, learning activities, and assessment methods. - The effectiveness of the written curriculum is enhanced when it is presented in a user-friendly format, allowing for easier implementation by teachers. - Authentic literacy is emphasized, with the belief that effective reading, writing, and thinking skills can transform students\' lives. **The Supported Curriculum** - The supported curriculum encompasses the resources allocated to deliver the curriculum, including time, personnel, and materials. - Federal and state guidelines significantly influence the supported curriculum, dictating minimum time allocations and approved resources. - School boards and principals play crucial roles in determining the support provided for curriculum implementation, impacting educational outcomes. - Research indicates that time allocation and class size are critical factors affecting student learning and engagement. **The Taught Curriculum** - The taught curriculum refers to what is actually delivered in the classroom, which may vary significantly from the written curriculum. - Teachers\' decisions about the curriculum are influenced by various factors, including classroom dynamics and administrative expectations. - Statistical evidence suggests that school organization and operation significantly affect instructional practices and student learning. - The alignment between the taught curriculum and assessments is crucial for ensuring that students are evaluated on what they have learned. **The Tested Curriculum** - The tested curriculum includes the assessments used to evaluate student learning, which can vary in alignment with the taught curriculum. - Historical issues with test preparation have led to a focus on low-level objectives, raising concerns about the quality of assessments. - A gap exists between standardized tests and the actual curriculum taught, which can disadvantage students and affect their academic outcomes. - Recent advancements in online testing and data analysis are helping to improve alignment between assessments and educational standards. **The Learned Curriculum** - The learned curriculum encompasses the changes in values, perceptions, and behaviors resulting from school experiences, including both intentional and hidden curricula. - Students often prioritize learning based on accountability systems, focusing on what they believe will be assessed. - The accountability culture established by policies like NCLB has created a structured environment, but may not always promote effective learning. - Understanding the dynamics of the learned curriculum is essential for educators to foster a positive learning environment that encourages student engagement. **COMPONENTS OF THE CURRICULUM** - Curriculum development involves several distinct components, including curricular policies, goals, fields of study, programs of study, and courses of study. - Curricular policies guide the development and implementation of curricula, influencing educational priorities and practices. - Curricular goals represent long-term educational outcomes expected from the curriculum, guiding the overall direction of educational efforts. - Fields of study and programs of study define the organized learning experiences offered, while courses of study and units of study provide specific learning objectives and activities. **Lessons** - Lessons are structured learning experiences that focus on specific objectives, playing a critical role in curriculum planning and delivery. - Effective lesson planning should incorporate strategies for setting goals, monitoring progress, and assessing student achievement. - Distinguishing between basic and enrichment learnings is essential for curriculum development, ensuring that all students receive a well-rounded education. - Metacognitive skills are increasingly recognized as vital for student success, emphasizing the need for educators to foster these abilities in their teaching practices.