Curriculum Implementation

u Curriculum implementation involves the translation of a written curriculum into classroom practice or the translation of the formal curriculum into the curriculum-in-use

The Teacher’s Role

u  Implementation is an issue because the teacher is not in full control

u  Lacks the power to introduce new courses or topics whenever he or she desires

u  Lacks complete repertoire of knowledge and skills about curriculum development, subject matter, youth

u Does not have time for curriculum development work

u  Lacks financial resources u Teachers are not powerless

• Can change the sequence or content of a course or subject

• Can emphasize certain things to the exclusion of others

Differing Perspectives on Implementation

u Fullan identifies different emphases in curriculum change • 1960s-adoption • 1970s-implementation • 1980s-standardization • 1990s-restructuring

Technical-focus on the key steps or procedures u Political-focus on the various interest

groups and sources of power involved in curriculum implementation

u Cultural-focus on the beliefs and values that stakeholder to curriculum decisions share

u Focuses on issues of local capacity u Financial support, logistics, training,

experience

Influences on Implementation

u Characteristics of the change u Characteristics of the school district u Characteristics of the school u Characteristics external to the local

school

Implementation Factors

u Student Achievement

u Curriculum materials

u Teacher activities

Fidelity vs. Adaptation

u Fidelity of implementation-does the enacted curriculum or the curriculum-in-use fit the official curriculum

u Assumes that teachers are not knowledgeable about the curriculum and that it must be implemented as written

u Need for curriculum modification u Teacher proof materials

Goals for implementation

u Demonstration

u Evaluation