Curriculum Overview PDF

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Summary

This document provides an overview of curriculum, exploring its different definitions, types, and components. It discusses the importance of the hidden curriculum and how it interacts with other types of curriculum. The document also touches on the influence of educational reforms and societal concerns on the recommended curriculum, while highlighting the role of technology and resources in education.

Full Transcript

**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.

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